Fulfilling a lifelong ambition to go on a cruise to the Fjords. Managing to walk from home to work for the first time.
These are just some examples of how North Tyneside Council’s Shared Lives service has helped transform the lives of vulnerable people, according to a new report.
The scheme individually match trains and approves carers with people who need their support.
Shared Lives carers are ordinary people who have been assessed and approved to provide care and support within their own home for adults with an assessed need.
It is aimed at promoting their independence and giving them a sense of belonging.
The service was rated good with an outstanding feature by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2018.
It is now celebrating further success after scoring 100 per cent in every area it was assessed in following a recent inspection carried out by North Tyneside Council’s People Based Commissioning Team.
Assessors found many examples where the people who use the service have been helped to achieve lifelong goals.
The inspection highlighted the way carers interact in a ‘warm and respectful’ way with the people they support, how they are encouraged to share their views and the ‘homely environment’ that is created.
The service was praised for the high standard of training given to carers and the ongoing support available to them.
Cllr Gary Bell, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “It is fantastic to see this well-deserved praise for our Shared Lives scheme.
“This is a vital service which provides much-needed support for vulnerable adults and it is great to hear the positive experiences from both them and their carers.”
The scheme is always on the lookout for prospective new carers.
Shared Lives carer Jane Hutchinson shares her home with three people, including Edward, who has lived with her and her family for 10 years, David and Gordon, who moved in last year.
She said: “There are so many benefits for the people I care for and the scheme makes a massive difference to their lives. It’s amazing to see them learn new skills and live independently - their confidence just soars.
“It has also enhanced our lives as a family and is something I wish I had done years ago because it has bought so many benefits to us too.”
To find out more about Shared Lives, contact the team on (0191) 643 5241 or visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk and search for ‘Shared Lives’.
