Cumberland Council is supporting Shared Lives Week 2023 by calling for more people to consider opening their hearts and homes and asking them to consider Shared Lives.
Across Cumberland, Shared Lives carers support adults with learning disabilities to live in their communities whilst enjoying flexible, regular personalised support.
During Shared Lives week 2023, the UK awareness week, the charity is launching a campaign to recruit more Shared Lives carers to support people with a long-term condition who want to live in their community.
Councillor Martin Harris, executive member for Adult's and Community Health said “Shared Lives carers do such a fantastic job, helping to care and support people to live the life they choose. They provide a wide range of support from help to access the community, manage money or learn to cook a new recipe! The key is to help someone become more confident and support them to thrive in their everyday life.
“There are so many more people who could benefit from this support and so we are looking for people who are sociable, patient and practical and who can offer regular support, whether that be for a couple of days to full-time live-in arrangements. Shared Lives carers receive a fee and benefit from the many perks of being self-employed as well as support and training from the Shared Lives Cumberland team.
“Whether you’ve worked in a caring profession before or not, you can use your skills gained elsewhere to make a real difference to yours and someone else’s life.”
To become a Shared Lives carer, you must be over 18 years of age but don’t need specific qualifications, just the right values, commitment and of course, space to accommodate someone at home.
Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer.