BCP Council is encouraging people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to take part in The Shared Lives scheme. This provides support to adults with a physical or learning disability, mental health need, older people or those who had previously been in care offering a break to families and carers in a home setting.

Shared Lives carers help with daily tasks from personal care and accessing health services, to making decisions and learning new skills, enabling individuals to live a full life in the community.

Julie Fellows, Shared Lives manager said, “We would encourage anyone considering becoming a carer, or who would like to find out more, to contact our Shared Lives team. We can offer new carers training, support and regular updates to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their responsibilities. The responsibilities of looking after a vulnerable adult cannot be taken lightly but the benefits far outweigh any negatives.”

Jackie and Phil Hubble from Bournemouth, who have been Shared Lives Carers for over 10 years care for three vulnerable young adults in addition to their own children who also have specific needs.

They said, “We are passionate about the Shared Lives scheme. The benefits to the individual are huge. It’s very rewarding, not just for the people coming into your life, but for us as carers, too, by sharing part of their lives and supporting them.

“It’s a very rewarding job, but it does change the way you live your life – it’s a lifestyle change. You have to be the right person, but if you are, it can be incredibly rewarding – not just for yourself, but for the people you are looking after.”

Carers are carefully matched with the adult to ensure the placement best suits everyone involved.

For more information email shared.lives@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/sharedlives