Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer

To celebrate Shared Lives Week, the Isle of Wight Council will be out and about giving information about this vital service and answering questions.

Shared Lives provides care for adults who want to live independently but within a support network of family and community and can, for some, be an alternative to supported living or residential care.

Shared Lives carers share their homes with people and support them to live a more independent life, gaining skills and contributing to their community. The scheme supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health and other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.

Adults with care and support needs are matched with carers registered with Shared Lives. The carers share their family and community life and give care and support to the adult with care needs.

The council has 24 Shared Lives carers and is always looking to recruit more.

If you're interested in finding out more, our team will be out and about next week. They'd love to meet you and tell you more about how the service works. 

Here's a list of locations and times — why not pop along for a chat?

• Tuesday 27 June, 9am to 12.30pm, Sandown Library, 119 High Street, PO36 8AF
• Tuesday 27 June, 10am to 12pm, Ryde Baptist Church, George Street, PO33 2JF
• Wednesday 28 June, 10am to 12pm, Café Isola, 85a St James’ Street, Newport, PO30 1LG
• Thursday 29 June, 10am to 1pm, Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR
• Friday 30 June,11am to 2pm, Tesco Express, Rectory Drive, Wootton Bridge, PO33 4LX

Councillor Ian Stephens, 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."

One individual who recently regained their independence having been supported by Shared Lives said: "Without the help of Shared Lives, and doing the courses I was doing, and the communication with the Shared Lives team, I wouldn’t have felt as confident in the different voluntary work I am doing and helping others.

"I love seeing the work you guys do and very keen to become a part of Shared Lives, not only helping others but so others can see what is achievable.”

Being a Shared Lives carer is hugely rewarding and fits around your commitments. It is a paid role. To find out more or to register your interest, visit the Shared Lives website.