[C]umbria County Council’s Shared Lives team is celebrating Shared Lives Week 2018 with a range of drop in events across the county for people to get more information about the service and to apply to become a Shared Lives carer.
The council is recruiting new carers to continue providing this vital service across Cumbria. The aim of the events is to celebrate the dedication and enthusiasm of Shared Lives carers and service users in Cumbria, and to raise awareness of the Shared Lives care model. There will also be a variety of health related activities for people to take part in, such as smoothie tasting, fitness, crafts and health and wellbeing sessions.
Where and when are the events?
- Thursday 14 June, Ulverston – drop by between 12pm and 2pm at Lightburn plant and craft sale at Unit 1, Lightburn Trading Estate.
- Friday 15 June, Barrow – drop by between 10am and 12pm to the ‘In it together’ event at Furness Carers, Hindpool Community Centre.
- Friday 22 June, Workington – drop by between 11am and 2pm at Vulcan’s Park by the Princess Street Day Centre (bring your own packed lunch).
- Friday 22 June, Ulverston – drop by between 12pm and 2pm to the Cumbrian Cow ice cream parlour on the outskirts of Ulverston!
- Saturday 23 June, Kendal – drop by between 10am and 4pm to Kendal Unity Festival at Abbot Hall Park.
- Sunday 5 August, Walney – drop by between 12pm and 6.30pm to Tarn Fest at Tarn House.
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a 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. Shared Lives is all about one household sharing their lives, families, home, interests, experience and skills with other people who need some help and support to live their life to the full as part of their local community. There are approximately 13,500 people using Shared Lives across the UK.
Shared Lives week runs from 15 – 24 June 2018, during which Shared Lives teams, carers and service users from all over the UK will be getting the word out about this unique form of care and support.
Julie Cameron, Shared Lives manager in North Cumbria, says: “Shared Lives is well established in other parts of the country and provides a fantastic opportunity for adults who need some support to live happy and healthy lives as part of their local community.
“We’re also looking for more new carers to come forward who are patient, understanding and compassionate – that’s all you need to make a difference to people’s lives. All Shared Lives carers receive a generous allowance from the council as well as full support, training and guidance from the team.
“We’d encourage anyone to come along to one of our drop-in events and have a chat and a cup of tea with our friendly team – especially if you’ve always thought about a career in care but were never sure how to go about it, this is the opportunity for you!”
