A NEW scheme which aims to provide personalised care to adults across Cumbria is asking for potential carers to open up their homes and get involved.
Shared Lives is an initiative run by Cumbria County Council which helps provide respite, day support and long-term care to adults.
In order to run smoothly, a strong team of carers is needed. They are required to open up their homes and lives in order to help service users to live their life to the full.
Lisa Quayle is the supervisor for south Cumbria. She said: "You don't need a caring background, you can be from any walk of life.
"You just need to be committed and have compassion, patience and a spare room and be willing to be open and open your life up to another.
"We match service users with families who have similar interests.
"It is all about the individual so we are tailoring services to their needs.
"They can still access other support, this isn't a replacement, just an extra service which takes a different angle."
Initially, Shared Lives was a privately run programme but the county council took over to try and increase the numbers of those taking part.
Ms Quayle, 49, had been working in supported living for more than 20 years before being seconded to the scheme.
She said: "I'm absolutely loving my role - it's so new to us and it is nice to see how it is developing.
"It is a first step for some people in asking for support, a stepping stone. It has continued growing and we are getting a lot of referrals and it really is a positive option so we are trying to make everyone aware of it."
Shared Lives service users can be adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems, elderly people, disabled children becoming young adults, parents with learning disabilities and their children, recovering substance addicts or ex-offenders.
Carers will get to know service users through a series of informal meetings after being matched based on their hobbies and personality.
They will receive ongoing assistance from a key support worker and full training and guidance as well as an allowance and a contribution to their living expenses from the person they support.
For more details or to apply to be a Shared Lives carer, visit cumbria.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 01228 226053.
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