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Shared Lives service searches for new carers

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Angela, Adrian and Gill

Shared Lives Week is just around the corner and Lancashire County Council is looking for more people to become carers.

The national campaign runs from Friday 15 June to Saturday 23 June.

Amongst those supporting the week is Gill Holt, who has been a Shared Lives carer for 15 years.

As the countdown continues, the county council has confirmed details of information events at Accrington, Fleetwood, Morecambe and Preston where people can find out about what being a Shared Lives Carer involves.

Gill Holt and her partner Peter live in Leyland. They have been Shared Lives carers for 15 years.

They have supported Adrian, aged 37, for 15 years and Angela, aged 53, for six years.

Gill said: “It’s been fabulous, basically a life changer, not just for us, but for Angela and Adrian too.

“Shared Lives gives something really different. It’s not just a standard service, the people you care for really do become part of the family.

“We all socialise with extended family and friends, go to family events such as weddings together and support each other in day-to-day life.

“We’ve recently come back from a cruise together and have been to Centre Parcs too.

“We feel it’s important to ensure Adrian and Angela have their independence. We supported them to find jobs and they both enjoy going to work. They also like to get out and about, they enjoy going for health walks, taking the dog out and making friends and connections in the community. They know more people around here than me and my partner!

“Adrian likes the outdoors and will soon be off for an adventure trip to the Lake District. Angela has a boyfriend and enjoys caring for animals. She had a cat when she first came to live with us and she’s helped us to choose the family dog.

“They both enjoy seeing the world and have exciting lives. We get a lot out of supporting them to do what they want.

“As a carer, it’s most important that you make sure the people you support stay safe and well, enjoy themselves and live as independently as possible while sharing your family life.

“We get fantastic support from the county council’s Shared Lives Service who help us work out a solution to any issues that come up.

“I’d advise anyone who’s thinking of becoming a Shared Lives carer to just do it.”

Details of events that have been confirmed so far are as follows:

• 18 June, 10am – 12.30pm, Fleetwood Library
• 19 June, 10am – 12.30pm, Morecambe Library
• 20 June, 10am – 12.30pm, Accrington Library
• 20 June, 12am – 2.30pm, County Hall, Preston

The county council’s Shared Lives service, rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), provides care for adults with disabilities, mental health needs and older people.

The service matches people with carers and families who can provide support in their home.

County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: “Shared Lives Week is coming up in June and it’s a great opportunity for people to find out more about becoming a carer.

“We’ve confirmed some free events and we’re finalising details for more across the county. People can come along and speak to staff from the service and talk to carers about their experiences.

“Our Shared Lives Service is already the largest in the country. The fact more than 350 people now use the service is great news as research shows this is one of the best care options available.

“We’re looking to expand the service to recruit a further 50 carers over the next two years and the events for Shared Lives Week are an important part of our plans.

“We’d encourage anyone interested to come down to their local event to find out more.”

Shared Lives carers support people with everyday activities such as making meals, using appliances and shopping. They also help people take part in hobbies and interests, take them on holiday and support them with work and studies.

Placements vary in length from emergency support and short break respite care, to longer term living arrangements.

You can find out more information about the Shared Lives service at www.lancashire.gov.uk/sharedlives.

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