Could you help someone live a thriving life?
We're encouraging the public to find out more about Shared Lives, a scheme that matches adults with additional needs with an approved Shared Lives carer to support them to live a rich and fulfilling life.
The Shared Lives service is growing and is looking for new carers who are able to support individuals on a short or long-term basis. To help the public find out more about the scheme, which may be unfamiliar, we're running virtual information events during May to explain more about becoming a Shared Lives carer and to answer any questions people may have.
Shared Lives matches adults that need support with carers and their families, to live in their home. Support needs include learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people or people with mental health needs. The service user can be supported for a few hours, a few days or live on a long-term basis with a Shared Lives carer in their home as part of the family. It gives them the opportunity to live in a family environment instead of staying in a residential facility or being looked after by support workers.
Steph Downey, Gateshead Council's service director for adult social care said: "Shared Lives is a brilliant alternative to care homes and day centres and can really enrich people's lives. We know that people feel settled, valued and like they belong for the first time in their lives.
"They make friends and get involved in clubs, activities and volunteering, often for the first time. We want everyone in Gateshead to be living thriving lives and schemes like Shared Lives can help make that happen. Being a Shared Lives carer is very rewarding, undoubtedly carers make a positive difference in someone's life. We'd love to hear from anyone who's interested in joining our fantastic team of carers."
Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life. They don't need any qualifications or experience - they just need to be willing to share their home and make a real difference to someone's life. We recognise that over the last 12 months peoples' home lives and working circumstances have changed dramatically, so even if you've never considered something like Shared Lives before, it might be an option for you now.
Lesley, a flexible hours Shared Lives carer said: "I became a Shared Lives carer to enable me to have more of a purpose in life after taking early retirement five years ago. I knew I still had a lot to give and found that I could continue doing a job that I loved; working hours that suited me as well as doing things that I enjoyed in the company of someone else as I would be matched to people who had similar interests. There is so much flexibility, if needed, and trust and friendships develop naturally."
The next virtual information event will take place on Wednesday 12 May, 6 to 7.30pm via Microsoft Teams.
We're encouraging the public to find out more about Shared Lives, a scheme that matches adults with additional needs with an approved Shared Lives carer to support them to live a rich and fulfilling life.
The Shared Lives service is growing and is looking for new carers who are able to support individuals on a short or long-term basis. To help the public find out more about the scheme, which may be unfamiliar, we're running virtual information events during May to explain more about becoming a Shared Lives carer and to answer any questions people may have.
Shared Lives matches adults that need support with carers and their families, to live in their home. Support needs include learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people or people with mental health needs. The service user can be supported for a few hours, a few days or live on a long-term basis with a Shared Lives carer in their home as part of the family. It gives them the opportunity to live in a family environment instead of staying in a residential facility or being looked after by support workers.
Steph Downey, Gateshead Council's service director for adult social care said: "Shared Lives is a brilliant alternative to care homes and day centres and can really enrich people's lives. We know that people feel settled, valued and like they belong for the first time in their lives.
"They make friends and get involved in clubs, activities and volunteering, often for the first time. We want everyone in Gateshead to be living thriving lives and schemes like Shared Lives can help make that happen. Being a Shared Lives carer is very rewarding, undoubtedly carers make a positive difference in someone's life. We'd love to hear from anyone who's interested in joining our fantastic team of carers."
Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life. They don't need any qualifications or experience - they just need to be willing to share their home and make a real difference to someone's life. We recognise that over the last 12 months peoples' home lives and working circumstances have changed dramatically, so even if you've never considered something like Shared Lives before, it might be an option for you now.
Lesley, a flexible hours Shared Lives carer said: "I became a Shared Lives carer to enable me to have more of a purpose in life after taking early retirement five years ago. I knew I still had a lot to give and found that I could continue doing a job that I loved; working hours that suited me as well as doing things that I enjoyed in the company of someone else as I would be matched to people who had similar interests. There is so much flexibility, if needed, and trust and friendships develop naturally."
The next virtual information event will take place on Wednesday 12 May, 6 to 7.30pm via Microsoft Teams.
