Find out more about Shared Lives week
To celebrate Shared Lives week (26 June – 3 July), our team will be out and about around Herefordshire giving information about the scheme and answering questions. See the dates and venues below.
This week is timely as we’re planning to expand Shared Lives and the range of support carers can offer when registered with the scheme.
Shared Lives (SL) supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own. The scheme matches an adult with care needs with carers registered with SL. The carers share their family and community life and give care and support to the adult with care needs.
The SL team will let you know the realities of being a SL carer. The team can also put you in touch with current carers so you can hear about their experiences first-hand and ask your own questions. You will have the opportunity to discuss the support provided from the Shared Lives team and from fellow carers in our Shared Lives community. You can become a SL carer either on a long-term basis or short-term, which gives others a break from their responsibilities.
SL carers are paid between £448.55 and £543.97 a week per person, depending on the individual’s needs, the amount of time and level of support they provide care. SL carers can support up to three people.
Herefordshire’s SL team will be at the following places during Shared Lives week and look forward to meeting as many visitors as possible. If you want to hear about the scheme and /or are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer then don’t hesitate to join us.
Our Shared Lives team will be at the following places next week:
Ross library 9.30am – 4.30pm Tues 27 June
Hereford leisure centre 9.00am – 5.00pm Weds 28 June
Kington library 9.30am – 12.30pm Thurs 29 June
Leominster leisure centre 12.30pm – 5.00pm Thurs 29 June
Leominster library 9.30am – 5.00pm Fri 30 June
Simone, who’s been a Shared Lives carer for a year says:
“The Shared Lives team are always there whenever needed. I can’t believe I didn’t do this job before as no other role has ever been this good! Everyone I have dealt with has been 100 per cent supportive.”
Meanwhile, Stephen, who lives with a Shared Lives carer, says:
“If it wasn't for Shared Lives, I don't know where I'd be. It's the first time I have felt and been treated like family. They are helpful, understanding and flexible. I wouldn't change a thing.”
Ginnie Jaques, Herefordshire’s Shared Lives manager, says:
“This is a really rewarding scheme that benefits carers as well as those who need support. If you’re interested in the scheme you can dip your toes in the water by taking someone on for just one or two overnight stays a month. If that works well for both parties, you can step it up to longer or more frequent stays and you may decide to support a long term arrangement. Whatever you choose to do, you can make a massive difference to someone’s life.”