Shared Lives Week

Wiltshire Council is visiting different towns in the county to mark Shared Lives Week from Monday 13 June - Friday 17 June.

The Shared Lives Service  helps people live as part of a family, within the carers home, where they receive the support or care that they need. The main purpose is to offer care or support to men and women over 18 who require support to live independently alongside other people in a family-like setting.

The service places adults who have mental health needs or learning disabilities, physical impairments, or are elderly. It's also for  those who, for a variety of reasons, cannot manage to live without support. Shared Lives carers provide support with daily tasks, from personal care and accessing health services, to making decisions and learning new skills. The service mainly offers long-term arrangements, but also offers short-term arrangements. These are usually provided as a break for other carers or as somewhere to live for a few weeks

Wiltshire Council has 65 Shared Lives carers and is always looking to recruit more. The recruitment process has been updated, which means it's now easier than ever to become a carer.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: "We're excited to get out in our local communities spreading the word about the great work Shared Lives carers do on a daily basis and to encourage others to join the team. Shared Lives Week presents a great opportunity for us all to get together and celebrate making a real difference to people's lives. We would love to tell you more, so please come and join us this week."

The Shared Lives team is in Bourne Hill Gardens in Salisbury from 11am on Monday 13 June, Warminster Park from 1pm on Tuesday 14 June, Trowbridge Town Park from 2pm on Wednesday 15 June, King George V Park in Melksham from 11am on Thursday 16 June and Riverbank Park in Chippenham from 1pm on Friday 17 June.

More information about the Wiltshire Shared Lives Scheme (opens new window) is available online, please email sharedlives@wiltshire.gov.uk. (opens new window), call 01380 826451 or visit the Shared Lives Facebook page (opens new window) or Shared Lives Twitter account (opens new window).