Could you be a Shared Lives carer?
Do you have space in your life and home to open it up to another adult who needs care and support? If the answer is yes, you could join Buckinghamshire’s growing team of Shared Lives carers and start helping to support others in your local community.
Shared Lives is a national initiative with over 10,000 approved Shared Lives carers across the UK. Buckinghamshire’s Shared Lives scheme is run in partnership with provider Ategi. As a Shared Lives carer, you would share your home and family life, providing support to an adult with additional needs, to help them develop their skills and live an independent life.
Responsibilities as a carer can include:
- Taking an active role in nurturing their skills and talents
- Assisting with life skills such as learning to use public transport as well as cook and clean for themselves
- Providing support to try new activities both at home and out and about
As a Shared Lives carer, you would be self-employed and will receive monthly payments. One to one ongoing support is provided, along with financial benefits and comprehensive training. There is a careful matching process, ensuring that carers are matched with a suitable person for their lifestyle and experience. Placements can be long or short term.
Angela Macpherson, Deputy Leader and Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing explained: “There are some people who need a little extra support in their lives and our Shared Lives scheme is about matching them up with others in the local community who can provide that friendly and supportive helping hand.
“The scheme benefits both parties immensely, with the carers getting a real sense of pride and satisfaction in helping others and those being cared for, gaining support to help them find their way in adult life.”
Juliet has been a Shared Lives Carer in Buckinghamshire since 2009, she was one of Ategi’s first Shared Lives carers when Ategi started managing the scheme in Buckinghamshire. Juliet is currently supporting four young women.
She said: "We've been with Ategi Shared Lives a long time, we've found them to be professional, kind and willing to listen and they're always there to support us. They care about the young people and the person we support, they're invested. We love seeing the girls we support grow in confidence, seeing them grow into young women, earning their trust - I enjoy the challenge. I feel proud to be part of it"
An information event is taking place at 10.30am on Friday 20 September where people can learn more about being a Shared Lives carer. Book your free ticket to the webinar online on Eventbrite: Shared Lives webinar: Becoming a carer in Buckinghamshire Tickets, Fri 20 Sep 2024 at 10:30.