Shared Lives – it’s all about sharing and caring.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s ‘Shared Lives’ scheme is looking for more carers. The scheme links up adults who need social care support with carers who provide support and accommodation in their own home.
Some carers do it on a full-time, others on a short-breaks or sessional basis.
All kinds of people can be Shared Lives carers: couples or singles, with or without children, home owners or tenants.
The main things you need are a spare room and a desire to help people with extra needs to be as independent as possible in a homely environment.
An approved carer can support up to three adults at a time.
Full training and support are provided. You are paid based on the needs of each person you support.
Being a Shared Lives carer can be a rewarding alternative to a ‘normal’ 9-5 job.
Shared Lives carer Elly Sargeant has been supporting Roy, who has autism, for the past three years.
Elly says: “I wanted a job that I could do living at home, not going to an office every day. When you’ve got children that’s nice.
“I think Roy gets a lot out of it. We have a lot of fun. He likes to dance, he likes to garden. He enjoys the food here, and we encourage him to be as independent as possible.
“I get a lot out of it. It’s the most rewarding thing ever. It’s not like a job – it’s just like having another member of the family who joins in with stuff.”
“If you’re thinking of becoming a Shared Lives carer, I’d say go for it! It’s wonderful. It’s a way of life.”
Roy says: “I have a very nice time here. I do the garden and sometimes help out with housework.
“I read my books in the evening and watch TV and have a beer some nights. So it’s a very good place to live.”
If you’d like to know more about the council’s Shared Lives scheme, telephone (01273) 295 550 for a friendly chat or email: info.sharedlives@brighton-hove.gov.uk
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