Ian Harris has become the first male carer at Mansfield-based Your Home Care — and he is encouraging other men to join their ranks.

The care sector is traditionally a female-orientated industry, with figures showing that men make up less than 20 per cent of the workforce.

Officially rated as Outstanding, Your Home Care was started by Paul Pitchford and Scott Marsh, and although they now employ almost 40 carers, Ian is the first male they have taken on.

Ian has worked in care for several years, having looked after his late mother, Melinda.

He said: “I saw the work that support workers do and I got into the sector that way. I know that I am making a difference to someone’s life.

“I am helping to put a smile on someone’s face and, for some people, I am the only person they see on some days. It’s quite a responsibility, but I would urge other men to give it a go.

“Some clients may be a bit wary about a male carer, but you can build rapport with people, and earn their trust.”

One of the clients Ian looks after is Ken, who said: “Ian is a kind man who can’t do enough for me. We get on really well and talk about all sorts of things. I certainly look forward to his calls.”

Your Home Care’s Harriett Renolds, the company’s registered care manager who is pictured with Ben, said many people believe that only women can be carers.

However, she added: “There are stereotypes around the care sector, but people like Ian are showing that men can be carers, and that carers can come from all different types of backgrounds.”

Anyone who wants to look at home care as a career should contact Harriett by emailing [email protected]. To find out more about Your Home Care, visit www.yourhomecare.co.uk