2019 – A busy year for Shared Lives
2019 has proved to be a busy year for Kirklees Shared Lives with the official launch of a new carer recruitment campaign back in April. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the need to recruit more Shared Lives carers across Kirklees in order to support adults with additional needs in a safe, home from home environment.
The campaign kicked off with the launch of a new website dedicated to Kirklees Shared Lives and features real life case studies and videos from carers and service users telling of their experiences of being involved with the scheme and how it has enhanced their lives.
The campaign also increased the scheme’s use of social media with the opportunity to share local and national news stories linked with a link to Shared Lives.
The Mayor, Councillor Mumtaz Hussain, said
“I’ve been privileged to see the great work which Kirklees Shared Lives undertake. I was invited to join them for Shared Lives Week back in June and see the difference that they make to many people in our borough (both carers and service users), providing a family life for those who may not otherwise experience it.”
It’s not been all work and no play for the team. They have enjoyed a year of attending many of the fantastic community events including the Emley Show and Batley Christmas Lights Switch talking to local people about Shared Lives.
The campaign will continue in to 2020 with planned marketing activity, additional recruitment events, continuous use of social media and council platforms and more inspiring stories from carers, service users and their families.
Shared Lives carers support adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and people living with early on set dementia the opportunity to stay in a home from home environment for day support, respite care and long term care where they become part of the family, learn life skills, grown in confidence and become more independent and giving their loved ones the reassurance that they are being supported by a registered carer.
Helen has been a Shared Lives carer for over 5 year “The family benefit so much from sharing our lives with Lisa (service user). My children have so much more compassion and patience for vulnerable adults because of her living with us. And I know Lisa enjoys living with use because she does join in with the family all the time.”
Kirklees residents are encouraged to find out more information about the scheme by visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/sharedlives.
as a disabled person it is lovely to have discovered a way to get to the concerts at Hudds Town Hall. But what is needed now is more accessible toilets for people like me.