Help transform the lives of adults with additional needs - as a carer and as a friend

Could you help an isolated or vulnerable adult gain more independence by sharing your home and community life?

Shared Lives, launching in the Borough this week, is a scheme that allows people who need care and support to become part of a real family, receiving support in a flexible way as part of a home environment. 

Similar to fostering it matches carers with adults who need vital support and friendship, either on a long or short-term basis, to help them lead more fulfilling lives.

Carers have the same interests as the people they care for and consider each other as friends, sharing experiences, having fun and making a difference to each other's lives. They become part of a family, staying in the carer's home in their own room and learn the skills they need to become more independent in the future and feel less isolated.

They could have a learning or physical disability, have mental health needs, be an older person or may need a little extra help after leaving hospital. What's more important is the match is right for everyone.

Benefits of Shared Lives Schemes

Sharing a home, family and community life with a Shared Lives carer lets people create a valuable bond with the carer.

Before starting the placement, they have the chance to get to know the Shared Lives carer and decide whether they want to spend time together.

People sometimes use a Shared Lives placement as a way of learning the skills they need to live independently and to help them put down roots in the area or community before moving into a place of their own.

Being a Shared Lives Carer

There are a range of ways you can become a Shared Lives carer, whether it be living with someone in your home long term or providing respite care for weekends, holidays or emergencies. Carers receive an allowance for the people they care for.

Shared Lives care is based on shared interests, lifestyles and sense of humour to ensure it feels like an ordinary life for someone who needs support - and doesn't feel like a 'job' for you.

Councillor Ann McCoy, the Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "Shared Lives can make such a dramatic and positive difference to the lives of adults with additional needs, with people reporting feeling settled, valued and like they belong for the first time in their lives. They make friends and get involved in clubs, activities and volunteering.

"Carers receive an allowance for the people they care for, but the rewards are bigger than financial. Carers see how people grow and develop with their help to lead more fulfilling lives.

"We're looking for more people to join our team of Shared Lives carers. If you have a spare room and the time to care we would love to hear from you."

Find out more

As part of Shared Lives Week (13 to 19 June) we are holding a special drop in session between 10am and 12noon on Thursday, 16 June, at the Employment and Training Hub in Unit 5, Wellington Square, Stockton, where anyone interested in becoming a carer can find out more.

Our friendly Shared Lives team are also on hand to talk about becoming a Shared Lives carer and explain the scheme and answer any questions you may have, on 01642 524494 or email carerssupport@stockton.gov.uk. For more information visit the Shared Lives page of the Council's website and to keep up to date follow the new Shared Lives Facebook page.

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