Cornwall residents are being asked to consider being a shared lives carer this Christmas.
Cornwall Council works with Shared Lives South West to help people into shared living arrangements or short break respite.
The arrangement can support people with learning disabilities, people living with autism, mental ill health, dementia, and older people, to live as independently as possible.
The person with care and support needs lives in a shared lives carer’s home either permanently or for a short period of time.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care and health Cllr Andy Virr said:
“These sorts of arrangements provide everyone involved with a really rewarding experience. We’ve heard from lots of people who already do this and they say it really makes a difference to their life, whether it’s the carer or the person being supported.”
Dominic Spayne CEO of Shared Lives South West said:
“Christmas is an ideal time to think about the people in your home and around your table and think about the year ahead and the difference you can make.“
“Shared Lives Carers support people to live their best life and we know there are many more people who would find the role rewarding.
“We just ask for our carers to have care experience or transferable skills, they will also need a spare room in their own home as well as the time and patience to support someone to thrive.
“With a new year around the corner, this could be the new role you are waiting for in 2024.”
Shared Lives Carer Melanie Thomas has supported mum Abby for almost five years in Camborne. She has worked with Abby to promote her independence and offered support and advice to help her parent her daughter Isabella.
“We can’t wait to spend Christmas together, my whole family has accepted Abby as part of our own family,”
said Mel.
“Abby will be on hand the day before to help prep the food for the day and we love to all play games together.
“In the time Abby has lived with me she has grown so much. She now has a healthy bank account as I’ve helped her understand saving and looking after her money.
“Abby has also learnt about healthy eating and has managed to lose five stone in weight.
“She’s a brilliant mum to Isabella and she is also thriving, recently learning to swim and she now goes to dance classes. She’s also in her school nativity. They both live full lives and I’m really proud.”
Abby added:
“There’s a long list I have of how Melanie has supported me, my life has changed so much and I’m so happy.
“My resolutions for 2024 is to learn to drive and I’m now actively looking for a job.”
If you think you could be a shared lives carer then you can find out more
Find out more about Shared Lives South West
