Westmorland and Furness Council is calling for more people to come forward and consider becoming Shared Lives carers.

Shared Lives carers support adults with a variety of needs to live in their communities whilst enjoying flexible, regular personalised support.

The council is making the call during Shared Lives week 2023, in a bid to provide additional support to people so they can thrive in their local community.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Being a Shared Lives carer is a unique experience and the type of support you offer can be flexible to meet your own personal circumstances. The role can fit around other work commitments and family responsibilities and be provided right from your own home.

“The care provided by you could include having someone live with you, spend the week or weekend with you, or meeting up with someone once or twice a week. You could also support someone to enhance their living skills or support someone with their hobbies.

“Whether you’ve worked in a caring profession before or not, you can use your skills gained elsewhere to make a real difference to yours and someone else’s life.”

Shared Lives carers must be over 18 years of age but don’t need specific qualifications, just the right values, commitment, and space to accommodate someone at home.

They are self-employed and consequently receive tax benefits as well an allowance and discretionary payments for their time.

Shared Lives carers can support anyone over the age of 18 with additional needs such as learning disabilities mental health dementia or physical disabilities.

Successful applicants will also receive full training as well as ongoing support from the Shared Lives Team.

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, visit the Westmorland and Furness Council website.