Call for new carers this Shared Lives Week

 Julie is encouraging more people to become paid carers as part of Lancashire County Council's latest recruitment push this Shared Lives Week.

Shared Lives Week, which begins today (Monday 26 June) and runs until Friday 30 June, is a national campaign supported locally by the county council.

This year's theme is a call for people to open their homes and hearts, asking the public – have you considered Shared Lives?

Shared Lives supports adults with learning and physical disabilities. People using the service are matched with eligible carers and their families, to live within their home. They are part of a community, while being supported to maintain their independence.

Carers receive between £500 and £650 per week for providing this invaluable support.

Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives service is the largest in the country, with 239 carers supporting 326 adults. It is crucial that more carers are recruited so the authority can continue providing this vital service to the people who need it.

Julie Anderson is a Shared Lives Carer from Burnley. Julie and her husband Marc provide permanent support for Jemma and John in their home.

Julie explained the importance of Shared Lives: "It gives people the opportunity to maintain their place in a family and in a community.

"You can see the difference you're making to someone's life. Over the years we've supported many people in our home. They've all grown their confidence to complete everyday tasks such as housework. They also take part in activities like walking our dogs. John and Marc are season ticket holders at Burnley and love going to the football.

"We have a large family, and my family is now their family. Both Jemma and John love spending time with my children, grandchildren, our three dogs and our parrot. We also provide short break care, supporting people for a few days at a time.

"If we ever need help or have questions, the county council's Shared Lives team is on the other end of the phone and always give you an answer quickly.

"Being a Shared Lives carer is the best job – the most rewarding I've ever had."

Tina Bingham and Peter Holden have been Shared Lives Carers for several years. They currently provide short break placements, supporting people for anything for up to several days in their home in Lytham St Annes.

Tina explains what it means to them to care for and support adults in living independent lives: "I enjoy providing short break care. It's really nice having regular Shared Lives clients come and stay.

"We live near the sea, and there is always plenty to do. It's a varied, interesting and rewarding job.

"The matching process is excellent, ensuring both the carers and the people using the service are suitable for each other.

"Providing short break care really fits in to our lifestyle. We mainly support other people who use Shared Lives from different parts of the county when their families take holidays. They enjoy coming here and taking part in community life, especially with us living close to the sea. It's like a holiday for them. The important thing is having their own room, which gives them their space while they stay here.

"Shared Lives is a really, really good scheme. It's very rewarding and you're never alone, with excellent support from the team. I'd recommend getting in touch with the county council if you're interested."

Lancashire's Shared Lives service was recognised as 'Outstanding' in its latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

County Councillor Graham Gooch, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "Shared Lives Week is a fantastic opportunity for potential carers to find out more about our valuable service. I urge anyone interested in adult care to get in touch and learn more about its rewarding benefits.

"By becoming a Shared Lives carer, you can make a huge difference to an adult's life as well as your own.

"You don't need to have any previous experience in care, our award-winning service provides all the support you need."

As well as the generous allowance for being a carer and tax-free benefits, carers also qualify for the 'Blue Light Card', which offers discounts on a variety of goods and services. 

To find out more, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/sharedlives

To make an enquiry, fill in our form, email sharedlives@lancashire.gov.uk or call 01772 531326.