PEOPLE interested in becoming carers for adults in need of support can find out more about how they can get involved at three drop-in sessions next month.

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.

Cumbria County Council is recruiting new carers to provide the service across all districts in the county, and is encouraging potential carers to get in touch.

Carers receive a generous allowance of up to £400 a week for a full-time placement from the council as well as full training and support from a dedicated worker.

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.

Libby Potts is a full-time carer, having previously offered part time respite care for many years. Wayne, who has Down Syndrome, and Daniel, who has learning difficulties, live with Libby at her home.

Libby said: “My motivation was just to help people to experience an ordinary family life, and I have learned so much from my time with Daniel and Wayne – they are part of my family now and I love watching them develop and helping them to live as independently as they are able to. I’d urge anyone who has some free space, plenty of time, and a big heart to give the team at the council a call.”

There are already 12,000 Shared Lives carers in the UK, recruited, trained and approved by 150 local schemes, which are regulated by the government’s social care inspectors.

Events are being held at Walney’s ‘Leonard Cheshire’ Christmas Fayre at Walney Community Centre between 12pm and 3pm on December 2; all day at Ulverston Food Bank on December 3 and at St Mark’s Church in Barrow for the Big Christmas Gift Giveaway between 10am and 12pm on December 7.

Visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 01229 404005.

Nominations are also open for an awards marking International Day of Disability on December 3.

They will recognise people who overcome their disability and achieved something great and carers who have made a positive impact and contribution to upskilling a person they care for.

Nominations will be gathered on November 30.