Could you be a Shared Lives superhero?

We are looking for super people to become part of our rewarding Shared Lives scheme.

Shared Lives is a care and support service which is for people aged 18 and over who want to live independently in their community, with the support of a family and community network. It’s an alternative to supported living or residential care.

This week is Shared Lives Week, so we are shining a light on the scheme in Blackburn with Darwen and some of the carers who are a part of it, making a real difference to not only the lives of the people they take care of, but their own lives as well.

Working at home, you can earn £350 – £460 a week with tax relief, training, regular breaks and a support network. You will also have someone to support you throughout the application process and regularly during your time as a Shared Lives carer to offer you guidance, support and help you celebrate your successes.

Shared Lives care is based on shared interests, lifestyles and family. It’s a bit like fostering – but for adults. It feels like an ordinary life for someone who needs support – and you get to see the positive difference you have made.

It doesn’t need to be 24/7 – there are different levels of support you can give:

• Could you offer support for one or two days a week, or overnight stays to offer respite for family carers?
• Or do you have room in your heart and home for someone to move in with you for a few weeks, months or maybe years?

Shared Lives carer Rachael shared her story with us:

I have been a shared lives carer for approximately 7 years now. I was a little unsure and apprehensive of looking after adults with learning disabilities/difficulties. However I can honestly say it is the best thing I’ve ever done in my career as a carer. The adults live with you as part of your family. I have 3 young ladies who live with us. It’s great to see their progression, from extremely quiet to confident young ladies. It’s my job to empower them, and I say job but if I’m to be honest it doesn’t feel like that.

The Shared Lives Scheme works well, they fit in and we are a family. We get support from the Shared Lives scheme as well, it’s all good. I’ve recommended it to quite a few people, and I would say to people to give it a go if you can. It’s not like strangers coming into your home, you really do become a family.”

If you have a caring nature, have previously cared for someone or you’re looking for a new paid opportunity at home, apply today and help us build kinder, stronger communities.

Shared Lives carer Lesley, said:

We had fostered a boy and his sister since he was 12 and of course when he turned 18 he couldn’t be a foster child as he was an adult, but because he has some learning difficulties he was able to go into the Shared Lives Scheme which meant he could stay here with us.

It is something we would recommend, there are a few challenges but on the whole we have a lot of fun, it was the best outcome for everyone really. I would say to people, don’t be afraid of doing this, you don’t necessarily have to have experience, it is just about providing a home setting for someone and being yourself.”

If you want to hear more, get in touch with the Shared Lives Scheme on 01254 585899 or email: sharedlives@blackburn.gov.uk

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health, said:

The Shared Lives Scheme is fantastic and the people who join as carers are wonderful. It really helps to build on people’s development and independence and helps everyone enjoy the benefits as living as a family unit, either full time or just a few days a week.

Our amazing carers do a great job and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do, but we would love it if more people were to take part in the scheme. It can be really fun and rewarding for everyone and create some brilliant new life experiences. There is always full support from our Shared Lives team as well. Please contact us if you would like to give this a go.”