LEEDS City Council is on the hunt for new shared lives carers as part of a national campaign next week.

Shared Lives carers play a pivotal role in supporting adults across the city with a range of needs. The paid scheme, is an alternative approach to traditional residential respite and day services, giving full time carers the opportunity to take a short break or holiday.

Shared Lives carers perform a paid role and are recruited on a self-employed basis by Leeds City Council. Anyone over the age of 18, with a spare bedroom can apply to become a shared lives carer, with no prior experience necessary as full training and support will be provided. It is crucial that carers have a desire to help people and are committed to supporting adults with a range of needs.

Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for adult and children's social care and health partnerships said:“Shared Lives carers play a pivotal role in our city, helping support adults and providing relief for full time carers. We are always looking for more extraordinary people to join our Shared Lives community and I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch to discuss this role further.

“I would also like to thank all the existing Shared Lives Carers for the brilliant work they do, which makes a real difference to our communities.”

Shared Lives carers may provide various types of care to adults, including adults with physical or sensory impairments, adults with learning disabilities, older people – potentially with a level of dementia and people experiencing mental ill health. The scheme also looks to offer support for the transition from children’s to adult services and to cover in emergencies for full time carers.

The Shared Lives service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

To find out more information about becoming a Shared Lives carer visit www.leeds.gov.uk/joinsharedlives or alternatively email the team via: shared.lives@leeds.gov.uk.