Published on Tuesday 15 October 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are celebrating being awarded ‘Good’ for their Shared Lives scheme, where adults and young people with care and support needs are matched with skilled carers to become part of their home and local community.
The Care Quality Commission, which are the independent regulator of health and social care in England, praised the BCP Council led scheme, awarding the service ‘good’ in all of the five following areas; Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led.
In the report published on 25 September, adults in Shared Lives care said they felt safe, were in control of planning their care, and were able to vocalise how staff support them. One person said: “I decide what I want to do, I’m the boss of my care. My carers treat me like a queen, and I am part of the family now.”
The report included feedback from people using the service, as well as self-employed carers and professionals, who praised BCP Council’s Shared Lives scheme management for their leadership, passion and enthusiasm for the service.
Cllr David Brown, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at BCP Council, said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement. BCP Council is committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities receive the care they need to feel secure and supported. I have seen for myself the outstanding care and dedication that our Shared Lives carers have for those they look after. I’d like to thank all our Shared Lives carers, and the Shared Lives team and management for the valuable contribution they make in improving the lives of adults living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.”
Betty Butlin, Director of Adult Social Care at BCP Council, said: “Being a Shared Lives carer is extremely rewarding. 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.
“Alongside care and support, Shared Lives carers can help individuals make informed decisions, learn new skills and live a full life in their community.
“We currently have over 100 carers registered with the Shared Lives scheme, and we would like to encourage more to join. In particular, we would like to recruit more carers in the Christchurch area.”
Shared Lives carers are recruited, trained and supported by BCP Shared Lives officers, who are responsible for matching people to carers.
Shared Lives carers are self-employed and paid for the service they provide, as well as receiving payment for household costs and rent. If you would like to know more about the scheme and becoming a Shared Lives carer, please email: shared.lives@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 096 655.
Find out more about the service and becoming a shared lives carer here: Shared Lives: matching you with a carer at home | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
Read the full report from the Quality Care Commission here: Poole and Bournemouth Shared Lives - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)