We’re celebrating Shared Lives Week 2023

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

Next week is Shared Lives Week, so we are shining a light on the scheme in Blackburn with Darwen and some of the fantastic carers who make a real difference to the lives of the people they take care of and their own lives as well.

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

Working at home, you can earn £430 – £540 per 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 carers provide help with:

• Daily tasks such as dressing and meal preparation
• Learning new skills or how to live independently
• Building new friendships and social networks

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?

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.

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

The Shared Lives Scheme is fantastic and the people who join as carers are an amazing group of people – they should be celebrated as they do such a wonderful job.

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 carers do a tremendous job in so many different ways and we are so grateful to them for making a difference like this.

If anyone wants to find out more about becoming a Shared Life carer, please get in touch with our Shared Lives team. They would love to have a friendly chat, answer any questions you might have and offer support. Shared Lives can be really rewarding for everyone and create some brilliant new life experiences. Please contact us if you would like to give this a go.”

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