AROUND 60 jobs will be created by a Tyneside social enterprise after winning a major contract to provide support services to older and disabled people.

Employee-owned CASA Newcastle is one of a handful of providers who successfully took part in a competitive procurement process with the city council, and is now one of only two organisations to offer support to people across the west of the city.

“We are absolutely delighted CASA has been awarded this contract and that we are able to extend the services we are already provided to more people,” said Dr Guy Turnbull, the company’s director of business development.

“It’s all good news for people in the area as we will be looking to recruit a number of new support workers as soon as possible.”

It was launched in 2005 and since then has gained a reputation for not only providing high quality care but for putting people before profit, giving employees shares in the company.

The business, part of the Care and Share Associates group of social franchise companies, now runs services at six locations around the UK, delivering more than 10,000 hours of support every week.

It provides flexible homecare packages, tailored to individual needs which can range from shopping and running errands to personal care such as help with washing and bathing.

CASA Newcastle’s support allows older and disabled people to stay in their own homes and lead independent lives. It has been operating for a number of years but with the amount of providers reduced under the new tender from 15 to six, its remit has been extended.

CASA is the leading UK franchisor of social enterprises in the social care sector and is on the award-winning Sunderland Home Care Associates model operating since 1993.

We are absolutely delighted CASA has been awarded this contract and that we are able to extend the services