[C]umbria County Council’s Shared Lives team joined forces with staff from Cumbria Care at a Macmillan coffee morning at Petteril House care home last Friday 27 September.
The event raised over £400 for the cancer support charity and saw more than 120 residents, guests, staff and their families enjoy a feast of sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Tracey Smith, Manager of Petteril House care home, said: “It’s been absolutely marvellous, a great success. Not only have we raised money for Macmillan, we have also brought our two services together with family and friends, it’s been a real community effort. I’m delighted we have raised so much money in one morning, I’ve never seen so much cake and it’s all been eaten!”
Shared Lives is a county council-led scheme that matches adults who need support with host carers – who provide them with respite, day support or long term care in the carer’s home and enable them to live happy and healthy lives as part of their local community.
Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life but all of them have patience, understanding and compassion, and receive an allowance from the council as well as full training and support from a dedicated worker.
Julie Cameron is Shared Lives Manager for the north of Cumbria. Julie said: “I’m so pleased we’ve been able to host this special coffee morning alongside our Cumbria Care colleagues. We have some very special carers and staff – they really are the unsung heroes of their communities. We’ve all had a lot of fun today and raised a good amount of money as well, so I’m delighted with how it’s gone.”
There was also a tombola with prizes – including a bottle of port, food hamper, and a luxury smoothie maker – donated by members of the local community and staff.
It was an extra special day for Jacqui Powley, who retired from her role as a care support worker at Petteril House after more than 17 years. Care support workers deliver high quality care and support to vulnerable residents, helping them to maximise their independence and quality of life.
Jacqui said: “It’s an emotional day; I’ve really enjoyed working here for the last 17 years. I love looking after people and getting to know them, and watching their confidence grow as they settle in. Some people can be apprehensive about moving in to a care home and I like helping them feel at home and making new friends. There have been ups and downs, but I’d do it all over again without hesitation.”
More information about the Shared Lives scheme is available via the council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/sharedlives. The team will also have a stall at the Mental Health Awareness Day in Carlisle city centre between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday, 10 October – anyone is welcome to come along and have a chat to find out more about the scheme – as a potential Shared Lives carer or service user.
