Future looks bright for Shared Lives service

The future of Shropshire’s Shared Lives service, which enables people with disabilities to enjoy life as part of someone’s family, looks bright after local professionals set up their own company to run the scheme.

The new company – Positive Steps Shropshire – will continue to work with the current carers who support over 70 people following the successful transfer of the service from Shropshire Council.

Shared Lives is a service provided by people who are able to offer a place in their home to an adult with a learning disability or is deemed to be a vulnerable adult.

There are currently 40 long-term and short-term carers involved in the scheme and they either provide full-time accommodation or respite breaks for other carers in the area.

Diane Phillips, registered manager of Positive Steps Shropshire, said:

“We are excited to be given the opportunity to provide the Shared Lives scheme in Shropshire.  As a new start-up company, the team are looking forward to working with the current carers and service users to develop the service and promote the family-based ethos of the scheme into the wider public consciousness.

“All the directors of Positive Steps are Shropshire residents who will be working within the company.  As local people we have an understanding of local issues and are already known to several of the current service users and carers.”

An open day was held on 28 June 2014 at Bicton Village Hall which was well-attended by current service users and carers.  Further opportunities to socialise will be arranged following the success of the day.

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

“Shared Lives is a valued service and was recently awarded top marks in a CQC inspection.  We are confident that Positive Steps Shropshire will be able to take the service forward and continue to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Although Shared Lives will no longer be directly provided by Shropshire Council, the new company, Positive Steps Shropshire, will maintain a close working relationship with the council.

Positive Steps Shropshire is an active member of Shared Lives Plus, the membership organisation for Shared Lives providers and carers, and is also registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

If anyone is interested in offering their home to someone with a disability through the Shared Lives scheme, or would just like more information, they can call 01743 251568.