Festive fun brings together Shared Lives carers and the people they support at seasonal celebrations across Lancashire
Christmas cheer and seasonal celebrations were enjoyed by adults with learning and physical disabilities and their carers this week.
Shared Lives is a Lancashire County Council run scheme, which sees adults with learning and physical disabilities living in a family home with eligible carers and their families rather than living in more formal care environments like residential care homes.
It means they get to be a part of family life, make friends and be part of a community – something that we all want regardless of whether you have social care needs. Shared Lives also has a big emphasis on enabling people to live as independently as possible, which is a core value linked to the Adult Social Care vision 'Living Better Lives in Lancashire.'
With no less than 358 carers and 317 adults in Lancashire being supported, the county council's groundbreaking Shared Lives service is the largest in the country.
This month saw people involved in the Shared Lives scheme coming together to enjoy seasonal cheer and festive fun at celebrations across the county.
These included events such as meals and Christmas fun at a range of locations including Rosegrove Unity Social Club in Burnley, the Red Lion pub in Newburgh, the Stocks Tavern in Parbold and Market Walk in Chorley.
Sarah, who lives with Shared Lives carer Pauline and attended the celebration in Newburgh on December 13, highlighted how much she enjoys the scheme. She said: "My favourite thing about Shared Lives is being part of the family. My carer helps me to be independent and I get to do the things I love the most."
Also attending the West Lancs Christmas meal on December 13 was David, who lives with carers Alison and Chris. David said: "I've lived in Shared Lives since 2015. Shared Lives has saved my life. I've got a good family and all my friends.
"I prefer Shared Lives to anywhere I've ever been before. My family care about me, I've never had that before. I'm really happy."
Similarly, Andrew, who lives with carers Gary and Nic, said: "It's like a family; it's better than a supported tenancy. I have been able to go on holidays to Tenerife and in the UK. I have been able to do a lot of different things. I can go to my support officer with any issues, and she will help me."
Meanwhile, Linda, who lives with carers Alison and Chris, said: "I like living in Shared Lives. I much prefer living in Shared Lives than where I was before."
Lynne, who lives with carers Debbie and Chris, echoed her praise, saying: "I've been with my carer for three years and I've lost loads of weight. Everybody is friendly. Shared Lives is the best place I've ever been at. I like all the staff and the new manager is great, and all the Shared Lives support officers are amazing."
County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "This is a great time for our Shared Lives carers and those they support to come together and really celebrate the wonderful work that's been going on in the background in Lancashire to support adults with learning and physical disabilities.
"Shared Lives is a wonderful scheme and a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives, so I would encourage anyone interested in adult care to get in touch and learn more about its rewarding benefits.
"This is because by becoming a Shared Lives carer, you can make a huge difference to an adult's life as well as your own, and the people you support will get the chance to become part of a community whilst being supported to maintain their independence.
"You don't need to have any previous experience in care. Our service, rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC, supports people with a range of disabilities and provides all the support you need.
"If you'd really like to make a difference to someone's life through our Shared Lives scheme, why not get involved?"
Carers receive between £500 and £650 per week, as well as tax free benefits, and a range of 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.