An inspirational army of Shared Lives carers from Herefordshire are celebrating their role in helping people across the county who need extra support to live ordinary lives.

Shared Lives week 2018 takes place Friday, June 15th - Sunday, June 24th, and carers from the county will share their experience on Facebook through a series of video shorts.

As part of Shared Lives week, Herefordshire Council will host a drop in event at Blueschool House on Wednesday, June 20th from 9.30am - 4pm. ‘Empty nesters’, careers changers, ex-carers or those looking for a rewarding challenge on top of their day job can find out more about how to become a Shared Lives carer.

Martha and Reuben Fosberry are Shared Lives carers in Herefordshire, and they find no two days are the same: “We love being Shared Lives carers - it is a rewarding way to give a person who needs a little extra help the chance to access this support in a normal, everyday way. The individual who comes to live with you shares in your family’s life and the daily rhythm of your home. This could mean something as simple as a hot meal together, popping to the supermarket, watching TV, gardening or warm company and a friendly ear.

“Outside of Shared Lives, this form of care would usually come in the shape of day services or residential care. We cannot recommend it enough!”

In Herefordshire, over 70 people who need support to lead safe, healthy and independent lives visit or live with around 50 approved Shared Lives carer households. They share family and community life together, enabling people who need support to stay in the area, make new friends and recover from hospital to live an ordinary life, instead of being in a care home.

Councillor Paul Rone, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Shared Lives carers are invaluable. They provide practical and emotional support to people who need a bit more help to live independently, and who wish to stay in their own community. Carers provide ordinary, stable homes where they can share their lifestyles and interests with each other. Our Shared Lives carers in Herefordshire help people become independent and more connected with friends and family, as well as remaining active members of their community.”

Follow Herefordshire’s Shared Lives stories on Facebook @hfdscouncil, or find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives