{"id":66112,"date":"2025-06-02T14:55:39","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T13:55:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=66112"},"modified":"2025-06-05T11:43:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T10:43:43","slug":"devon-charity-calls-for-more-carers-to-open-their-homes-and-hearts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/devon-charity-calls-for-more-carers-to-open-their-homes-and-hearts\/","title":{"rendered":"Devon Charity Calls for More Carers to Open Their Homes and Hearts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Devon-based charity is appealing to residents to open their homes and support individuals with care and support needs, helping them live full and independent lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shared Lives South West<\/a> is launching its call to action as it marks Shared Lives Week, running nationally from June 23\u201327. The annual event celebrates the growing network of carers who make a real difference in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based in Kingsteignton, Shared Lives South West has been transforming lives for more than 20 years. The organisation already supports hundreds of carers across the region who welcome individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or age-related illnesses such as dementia into their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this paid and rewarding role, Shared Lives Carers offer either short-breaks or the person can live with them full time- it\u2019s similar to adult fostering. The goal is to create a nurturing, family-style environment that supports independence and personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cOur mission is to match individuals with carers who can provide a home-based, person-centred approach,\u201d said Rose Gapper, Shared Lives Team Leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cCarers come from all walks of life\u2014retirees, families, working professionals\u2014but they all share the desire to make a difference. It\u2019s flexible, you work from home, and you\u2019re never alone\u2014we\u2019re with you every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The strength of Shared Lives lies in its flexibility. Every arrangement is tailored to meet the needs and preferences of the individual, creating a unique and empowering support system built on trust, respect, and shared living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nick Higgins, from Sidmouth has been a Shared Lives Carer for 15 years. He currently supports Kevin in his home and also regularly opens his home to people using Shared Lives short break services. Over the years he\u2019s supported many people to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cAnyone who has the right values and attitude can become a Shared Lives Carer and it\u2019s so flexible,\u201d said Nick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no typical day,\u201d he said. \u201cOne man I support needs help with his health, so I check in with how he\u2019s doing and pick him up from work. The other goes to a day placement and enjoys being outdoors, especially in the garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe love eating together and talking about what\u2019s going on that day and in the world. We also enjoy walking the dogs and are busy in our village community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe go to coffee mornings and the guys we support come to them, we go to lunch and we are always out and about.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt focuses on what the person\u2019s needs are and how that fits in with the day.  We aren\u2019t driven by the clock and the people who live with us become part of our big family.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Shared Lives South West has a contract for its services with Devon County Council and works closely with the local authority.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Cllr Richard Keeling, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adults Services, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

“We are delighted to support Shared Lives South West and the work that its carers do to support people with learning disabilities, autism, dementia or who have difficulties related to mental health or older age.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe service provides a real ‘family home’ alternative to supported living or residential care.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to encourage people who have a spare room, and who would like to make a real difference to someone’s life – to help them live their best life – to consider becoming a Shared Lives South West Carer.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for Adults Services<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

Shared Lives South West supports nearly 500 people across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, and is actively seeking more carers to join its growing community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer, visit: www.sharedlivessw.org.uk<\/a> or contact 01626 360170.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":66113,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-66112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adult-social-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image":{"ID":66113,"title":"Shared Lives South West news page","alt":"Pictured are Kevin and Nick Higgins, Shared Lives Carer","description":"","caption":"Pictured left to right are Kevin and Nick Higgins, Shared Lives Carer 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