Come and help celebrate ‘Shared Lives’ in Shrewsbury

A special event is taking place in Shrewsbury on Tuesday 22 October 2013 to celebrate ‘Shared Lives’. 

The event is part of national Shared Lives Week, which raises awareness of the way in which self-employed Shared Lives carers support adults of all ages and abilities in the carer’s own home, ranging from day support through to long-term arrangements or respite care, and is a celebration for both carers and people supported by the service. 

The Shared Lives scheme in the county is run by Shropshire Council. 

The Shared Lives Celebration Day will be held in The Square in Shrewsbury on Tuesday 22 October 2013, from 10am to 3pm. 

Martin Wood, Shrewsbury’s town crier, will be in The Square from 10.30am to 11.30am, demonstrating the art of town crying and encouraging people to have a go. 

There will also be jams, pickles, eggs and other products for sale, produced by people with disabilities who are supported by Shropshire Council. 

Shropshire has 44 Shared Lives households across the county, providing long-term placements for 32 people and respite for more than 60 people – primarily adults with a learning disability, but also for older people, people with dementia, people with mental health problems, and people with physical disabilities. 

The type of care and support is very variable, tailored to the individual, and subject to assessment. 

More information about the Shared Lives scheme is available at www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk and at shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care/shared-lives-scheme. 

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“Through Shared Lives, families or individuals welcome a person or people into their home, providing guidance and support.  The service has been helping individuals in the county to develop independence and confidence through learning new skills, managing daily tasks, participating within their community, sharing family life and experiencing life in a different household, for more than 20 years, and it’s important that we take the time to celebrate this.  

“I would encourage anyone in Shrewsbury town centre on 22 October to come along to The Square to find out more about the initiative, which genuinely make a difference to people’s lives – and the potential for more people to benefit from Shared Lives.” 

More information 

Respite care is temporary care, providing time away from the usual carer.