Published on Monday 24 June 2024
Shared Lives Week (24-28 June) is a national campaign to recognise and celebrate the amazing work of Shared Lives carers and the valuable contribution to our local community.
The Shared Lives scheme is offered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to help adults with care and support needs area on a long or short-term basis enabling them to live in a home setting and providing them with the support they need.
Carers on the scheme offer support to adults with a physical or learning disability, mental health need, older people or those who had previously been in care offering a break to families and carers.
Shared Lives carers help with daily tasks from personal care and accessing health services, to making decisions and learning new skills, enabling individuals to live a full life in the community. The scheme enables adults with care and support needs to be a part of the community with the benefit of living with a carer who is there to help meet their needs.
Julie Fellows, Shared Lives Manager, BCP Council said:
"Shared lives carers support the needs of vulnerable adults in a supportive home setting where they can become part of the household and community.
“We would encourage anyone considering becoming a carer, or who would like to find out more, to contact our Shared Lives team.
“We can offer new carers training, support and regular updates to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their responsibilities.”
Emma Jones is a Shared Lives carer who lives in Bournemouth and has been looking after Jake full-time for five years. She told us:
"Shared Lives is a bit like fostering, but for vulnerable adults. I’ve been a Shared Lives carer for seven years, and my experience has been extremely positive.
“I gave respite to other families who needed a break which was a pleasure for me, and I was then matched with Jake five years ago, who lives with me full-time. We are a very good match, and he has progressed so much in the last five years, and that’s down to the Shared Lives scheme.”
Jake is 30 years old and has learning disabilities. He has been supported by Emma on the Shared Lives scheme for five years. He added:
“Shared Lives has changed my life positively and dramatically – I went from a low place to right up where I am now in the space of five years. I’ve got two voluntary jobs, which I didn’t have before, and a great social life. My diet has improved, and I have lost 4.5 stone. I also won an award for my achievements through the national Shared Lives scheme – when I got nominated, I cried! It made me feel so proud of what I’ve achieved since being part of Shared Lives.”
Shared Lives placements can be long-term, short-term, respite or day support – the level of care required depends on the needs of the individual. Carers are carefully matched with the adult to ensure the placement best suits everyone involved, and they receive full training, ongoing support and payment.
For more information email shared.lives@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or visit our information page: Shared Lives: matching you with a carer at home | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)