Sharing Magazine Vol 36

Sharing

Vol 36 April 2022

Magazine for the shared living network

New: Tax, benefits, and national insurance helpline Page 2 Free for members of Shared Lives Plus for three months.

Shared Lives: A network of support Pages 18-21 Find out how the different elements of Shared Lives work together to create the highest rated form of social care in the UK.

A trip to the stables for twins Paul and Richard during recording for Stacey Dooley's BBC Fresh Starts podcast. See page 10

www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk

0151 227 3499

Contents Welcome

1

New: Tax, benefits and NI helpline

2

Membership Benefits

3

Supporting good health

7

Our work for you

8

Stacey Dooley meets Richard and Paul

10

Ask your carer support team

12

Champions Corner

14

Your Voice member forum update

15

Shared Lives: A network of support

18

Shared Lives Week 2022 – Save the Date!

This year’s Shared Lives Week will be June 13-19. Keep an eye out for more information in the next issue of Sharing, or search on sharedlivesplus.org.uk using the search keywords: Shared Lives Week 2022.

Welcome to Spring 2022

Welcome

Becky Viney-Wood,

Who are householders?

Membership support andWho are engagement manager forhomesharers?

Shared Lives Plus

Welcome to your Spring 2022 issue of Sharing magazine. I am Often older people or people pleased who need Typically, people – creating to introduce myself as theyounger new membership support informal support to continue living in their an intergenerational match. and engagement manager for Shared Lives Plus. It’s my job own home. to listen to Shared Lives members, and to provide support, Professional students looking for an information, and advice. While this is a new role for me, and for They may have support needs or may alternative to halls or student housing. the organisation, I am bringing my working knowledge of Shared have become isolated or anxious about Lives with me from my previous position Sharedwho Lives Plus’s living alone.

Key public serviceas workers cannot first policy officer. afford housing where they work.

A person that enjoys passing on their skills My role is also to identifyAissues of that concern and develop strategies and experience to enrich the lives of those person is happy to give their time that Homeshare with them. to help Shared Lives members to support theYou needs older people. thrive. canofget in touch with me with concerns and queries by calling the carer helpline on 0151 227 3499 or via membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Speaking of thriving, our cover stars this issue are twins Richard Make a match to enableand anPaul who live with Shared Lives carer Tina in Wales. Their story is a positive example of how the personalised care provided older person to live longer

by Shared Lives can support people who have nowhere else to at home turn. And it’s such a good story that they got to be interviewed by Stacey Dooley for her BBC podcast. You can read all about their Each Homeshare match is bespokeexperience and on page 10. Key facts: agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique Shared Lives Plus is able to doNo what it does because Shared personal care is involved, match between the person you’ve got only practical support and Lives in mind, and a homesharer who has theisn’t just one organisation, but a whole network of support. companionship is provided.

In this issue we have a special feature illustrating how the right interests and skills to support them. different parts of the Shared Lives network fit together (page 18).

Homeshare participants are to From referral to arrangement,All and from Shared Lives carers Once a match is made, you will have vetted, and matches are based peace of mind that the person you’re government ministers - it’s a real team effort. on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. supporting has the best support possible The Homeshare is supported and for them as an individual.

And we believe that effort deserves to monitored be rewarded, carefully by which a local is why we are always looking forHomeshare new ways organisation. to add value to your membership. Have a look at pages 3-6 for a reminder of all the benefits that membership of Shared Lives Plus with it Homesharing is notbrings a rental service, a homesharer rent.

– including some brand-new so ones added sincedoesn’t the lastpay issue of Sharing.

The householder and homesharer fee to their local Finally, you can catch up withboth whatpay theamembership team have Homeshare organisation been up to recently in Champions Corner (page 14), andto oncover pages the costs of their ongoing service 12 and 13 - including a report and update on the new Your Voice and monitoring support. The members forum (page 15). Thank you to everyone who came homesharer will contribute to the along to the first Your Voice meeting held online in January.

The householder towards utility bills. next meeting is on April 21st, and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Householder - London

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit of extra help round the house – I’m not getting any younger!”

1

Sharing magazine - April 2022

NEW helpline!

Tax, Benefits and National Insurance: 0121 794 2289 FREE to Shared Lives Plus members Intellect have specialised in self-employed carer finances for over 10 years, in that time they have built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising on carer tax, NI and benefits. Thousands of carers across the UK trust Intellect to take care of their finances.

Shared Lives Plus members will benefit from access to a FREE tax, NI and benefits helpline available Mon-Fri 09.00–17.00 for a trial period of three months from 1st March 2022. (Call backs, if needed, are made on same or next working day.)

At the end of the line, you will find a friendly, helpful team of tax, NI and benefits experts, ready to answer queries about: Income Tax – Responsibilities, liabilities, allowances and guidance in completing tax returns.

National Insurance – How to get it right to ensure that you will receive full state pension at your retirement date.

Benefits – Your and your family’s benefits entitlements e.g. universal credit, PIP, housing benefit, council tax relief, DLA, carers allowance, ESA and more.

2

Intellect are also offering Shared Lives Plus carers, and any self-employed member of their families, a fixed, discounted rate when they sign up for their tax return service - £160 inc VAT* When you sign up for the tax return service, the Intellect team will: Ensure that you are minimising your tax liabilities Deal with HMRC on your behalf File your tax return for you Take away the stress, confusion and time constraints of completing tax returns In conclusion, the tax advice service offers you support, advice and complete peace of mind that you are fully compliant with tax legislation and maximising your household income.

Contact Intellect today on: 0121 794 2289 tax@intellectbiz.com *terms and conditions apply

Membership Benefits

Who are Who are We’ve got you covered! householders? homesharers?

As a member of Shared Lives Plus you are part of a UK-wide network of people working together to Often older people or people who need Typically, younger people – creating a kinder, stronger society built on sharing informal supportcreate to continue living in their an intergenerational match. own home. our lives and our homes. We believe that our lives Professional students looking for an get better when they’re shared, and that’s what They may have support needs or may alternative to halls or student housing. have become isolated or anxious about membership with us is all about. living alone.

Key public service workers who cannot afford housing where they work.

A person that enjoys passing on their skills Here’s a reminder of all the benefits you can access and experience to enrich the lives of those A person that is happy to give their time a them. member. All this from as little as £1.12 week: that Homeshare as with to support theper needs of older people.

Tailored insurance - included or discounted with membership.

Membership Benefits

£100,000 legal expenses coverage, to pay for legal costs if you face Make a match tode-approval, enable an criminal charges, or civil action in relation to your role as a Shared Lives older person to live longer carer.

at home

Public liability insurance to cover claims against you of up to £10,000,000. membership Each Homeshare match(full is bespoke and only)

Key facts:

agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Included Homeshare provider can make a unique personal care is involved, Specialist household insurance - exclusive No to members match between the person you’ve got only practical support and in mind, and a homesharer who has the companionship is provided. right interests and skillsOur to support partnersthem.

Towergate can arrange tailored household insurance which recognises the person who lives with you as a member of your family All Homeshare participants are Once a match is made, instead you will of have a tenant. Their specialist carevetted, household insurance and matches arepolicies based peace of mind that the include person you’re as standard: on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. supporting has the best support possible The Homeshare is supported and for them as an individual.

Accidental damage by the service user withinmonitored the home by a local carefully Homeshare organisation.

Buildings cover includes any mobility home modifications Homesharing is not a rental service, so a service homesharer Personal Liability is extended to include usersdoesn’t pay rent.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and The householder and homesharer even though I hate toand respite service user’s belongings Resident both pay a fee to their local admit it I do need a bit Homeshare organisation to cover Items taken away from the home including wheelchairs and other the costs of their ongoing service of extra help round the disability aids and monitoring support. The homesharer will contribute to the house – I’m not Identity getting Theft assistance and Property Emergencytowards cover as standard. householder utility bills. any younger!”

You can get up to 10% discount on your current insurers’ rates for the first year Householder - London – you’ll be fully covered with no surprises.

3

Sharing magazine - April 2022

Access to discounted and specialist financial services Mortgages Shared Lives carers make up fewer than 0.05% of all households in the UK, which means many mortgage companies don’t have any experience of Shared Lives and may not fully appreciate the specific circumstances of your household and living situation. This could lead to you being offered less favourable mortgage terms or being treated as a more high-risk customer than you really are.

We’ve been working with our partners at Mortgage Brain for four years, so they understand how the Shared Lives license agreement works, and that Shared Lives care provides a stable long-term income.

Their specialist mortgage advisors are on hand to help, with no obligation, whether you are a first-time buyer, moving home, or re-mortgaging.

There is no fee for a consultation and it’s just £150 on application for members.

Tax Returns Take (some of) the stress out of doing your taxes by having someone else do them for you.

Your membership gives you access to discounted tax return services from a choice of qualified providers, BWM accountants, and Intellect Business Services – see back page for contact details.

Grants for events and meetings As a member you can apply for a grant to help you organise an event or carer group. These grants can be spent on things like venue hire and refreshments for in-person events, or Zoom licenses for online meet-ups.

4

Search keywords: grants

Access to free tax, benefits, and legal advice For general legal and benefits advice, you can call Jackson Lees solicitors for confidential, qualified support.

For tax and benefits advice, you can call the Intellect Business Services helpline. Their advisors are trained to appreciate the Shared Lives model and offer effective advice to carers who may be feeling overwhelmed.

(The Intellect helpline is available for free to members between March 1st and June 1st 2022)

Discounts on shopping Shared Lives Plus members have access to Wider Wallet, a website for online discounts, cashback, reloadable gift cards, and vouchers for shopping, days out, and more. And it’s not just discounts on treats and goodies, you can even get discounted vouchers for major supermarkets that you can use to pay for your weekly shop.

To register for free visit widerwallet.com and use the code WW2496H. Your Shared Lives Plus membership also makes it much easier to apply for a Blue Light Card, the discount card for NHS and emergency service workers. They have strict criteria for who they accept as members, and require proof of eligibility, which we can provide. Blue Light Card costs £4.99 for two years.

Search keywords: Blue Light Card, Wider Wallet

Membership Benefits

Find out more

Who are Who areon To find out more about any of these membership benefits, please call the office 0151 227 3499,householders? or search on sharedlivesplus.org.uk using the suggested search keywords. homesharers?

Opportunities to get to know other Shared Lives carers Often older people or people who need

informal support to continue living in their We know how important it is to be able to own home. connect with other Shared Lives carers, which is whymay we have are supporting the creation They support needs or may of a have become isolated or anxious about network of local and regional carer groups living alone. (see page 9).

A person that carer enjoys passing on their skills We also bring members together through and experience to enrich the lives of those our Your Voice forums (see page 15), through that Homeshare with them. online social events like our Christmas Zoom Bingo, and of course via our carer-only online forum on the website.

Online Peer support and learning Make a match to enable an older person to live longer Our online carer forum is a private dedicated at space home for our Shared Lives carer members to share their experience, knowledge, and Each Homeshare match is bespoke and support. agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique Search keywords: match between the person you’ve got carer forum in mind, and a homesharer who has the right interests and skills to support them.

Supporting Shared Lives carers by

Once a match is made, you will have supporting Shared Lives schemes peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible work with schemes to help them develop for We them as an individual. best practice by following our guidance.

We also support them in their commitment to quality, which they can demonstrate by signing up to a Shared Lives Charter or developing a Shared Lives Quality Framework.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit itwith I doscheme needmatters a bit Support ofIfextra help round the you are having trouble with your scheme, we can help– provide to resolve things. For house I’m support not getting instance, with informal advocacy, mediation, any younger!” or negotiation with schemes on issues around best practice and guidance.

Householder - London

A comprehensive library of guidance Typically, younger people – creating We are the experts in Shared Lives, built on an intergenerational match. our experience and knowledge across the UK. Members have access to our guidance on best Professional students looking for an practice in Shared Lives, is housing. regularly alternative to halls orwhich student updated to make sure it is in line with any changes in legislation.

Key public service workers who cannot afford housing where they work.

Search keywords: A person that happy to give their time guidance foris carers to support the needs of older people.

A dedicated carer support team Our Shared Lives carer support team is here to provide individual support to members, whether you need advice, guidance, or someone to lend a friendly ear. The team includes our Shared Lives carer Champions who are both experienced Shared Lives carers, who can offer practical advice from a position Key facts: of real understanding.

No personal care is involved,

Search : onlykeywords practical support and carercompanionship Champions is provided.

All Homeshare participants are andvoice matches are based A loudervetted, clearer with on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. decisionThe makers Homeshare is supported and carefully monitored by a local We work with local, national, and devolved Homeshare organisation. governments to put the right legal, financial, and political structures is innot place, so Shared Homesharing a rental service, Lives works Over the last three years, so well. a homesharer doesn’t pay rent. we’ve campaigned for pay, for additional householder homesharer paymentsThe during covid, forand respite to be both pay a fee to their local provided and for carers to be compensated for Homeshare organisation to cover lost respite.

We also successfully campaigned the costs of their ongoing service for Shared Lives carers to be included in and monitoring support. The priority group B for Covid-19 vaccinations homesharer will contribute to the and a relaxation of the towards daily Lateral householder utilityFlow bills. testing guidelines in February. We’ve been representing you during the roll out of

5

Sharing magazine - April 2022

universal credit, and we have escalated our influencing work with regular attendance and contribution to the social care All Party Parliamentary Group.

News and insight from the wider Shared Lives community The Shared Lives community is large and diverse (see page 18). We bring you stories and news from across the network through Sharing - the membership magazine, in our fortnightly email bulletins, and across our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. If you’re not signed up to receive the email bulletins, contact membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk.

Membership fees for Shared Lives Plus will increase in line with inflation at the beginning of April. On average this is an increase of less than 20p per month, per carer.

Membership fees for Shared Lives carers from April 1st will be as follows:

Basic membership (without insurance) Single carer membership ...................................... £66.50 Joint carer membership ........................................ £82

Full membership (with insurance included) Single carer membership ...................................... £106 Joint carer membership ........................................ £116

Respite/short breaks membership (with insurance included) Single carer membership, three months ......... £46 Single carer membership, six months .............. £66 Joint carer membership, three months ........... £55.50 Joint carer membership, six months ................ £76

6

Supporting good health

Who are Who are homesharers?

In householders?

January 2022 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthwatch England

Supporting good health

relaunched their “because we all care” campaign. The campaign was designed to encourage more people to speak up and feedback about their or a loved one's care. CQC says that it is “positive, caring and personally empowering” for someone be need able to give feedback on their own health.

One of the aims Often older people or people to who Typically, younger people – creating campaign create a strong feedback culture, which will strengthen informal supportof tothe continue livingisintotheir an intergenerational match. relationships between people receiving care and the people providing it. own home.

Professional students looking for an They may have support needs orPlus, may we strongly agree alternative to halls or for student housing.

At Shared Lives that it is important people have become isolated or anxious about supported by Shared Lives, and those who care for them, to feel empowered living alone. service workers who cannot when it comes to their health and care.Key Wepublic believe that equal healthcare is a afford housing where they work. basic right, and that people supported by Shared Lives have the same right A person that enjoys passing on their skills to access and receive quality healthcare as everybody else. We also believe and experience to enrich the lives of those A person that is happy to give their time that they should also be supported to make healthy choices, and to enjoy that Homeshare with them. to support the needs of older people. good mental and physical health as far as possible.

We understand that sometimes a person may lack capacity to make an informed decisions about this specific aspect of their care or treatment.

In these cases, any decisions should be made in the person’s best interest.

Make a match to enable an Shared Plus has created a piece of guidance about how to support good older person to liveLives longer health for people supported by Shared Lives. The guidance outlines the rights at home that we all have regarding healthcare treatments we receive.

Each Homeshare match is bespoke and Key facts: agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local rights include: Homeshare providerThese can make a unique No personal care is involved, match between the person you’ve got only practical support and Freedom from in mind, and a homesharer who has thediscrimination based on protected characteristics companionship is provided. right interests and skills to support them.

Having treatment explain in a way that the individual can understand All Homeshare participants are Once a match is made, you will have vetted, and matches are based peace of mind that the person you’re The right to see our own medical records on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. supporting has the best support possible The Homeshare is supported and for them as an individual.

The right to give, or withhold, consent before any monitored healthcare by professional carefully a local can examine or treat us Homeshare organisation.

“It’s given mePeople a new Homesharing is choose not a rental supported by Shared Lives also have the right to their service, health so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent. as far as this is reasonable perspective onprofessional, life and householder and homesharer even though I hate to have an essential role inTheproactively Shared Lives carers supporting the both pay a fee to their local they a care for to access the health resources they are entitled to. admit it I dopeople need bit Homeshare organisation to cover the costs of their ongoing service of extra help round the and monitoring support. The For more information on the “because we care” campaign, to: homesharer willgo contribute to the house – I’mwww.cqc.org.uk/help-advice/give-feedback-care/because-we-all-carenot getting householder towards utility bills. campaign-stakeholder-toolkit any younger!”

Householder - London

Search keywords: supporting good health 7

Our carer Champions have been in post for almost three years now and have established themselves, and the carer support helpline, as a vital part of our membership offer. Between them, they take nearly 1,000 calls per year providing support, information, and advice to Shared Lives carer members on a broad range of subjects such as safeguarding allegations, emotional support, training, benefits, and signposting to legal or tax professionals when appropriate.

Members tell us that they trust the Champions and have confidence in them because they have first-hand experience of being Shared Lives carers themselves, and understand how challenging the work is, particularly dealing with the restrictions during the pandemic.

These are just some of the messages we have had from Shared Lives carers:

Our work for you

“‘Advice and first steps to help us to set up a carers group was invaluable!”

8

“You have been my rock, thank you so very much for all your help, support and understanding, you’re amazing.

I would not have coped without you!”

“Thank you I’m so grateful, it’s the first time I’ve been able to discuss this with anyone and I feel so much lighter for it.”

“I received payment for 12 nights! Thanks for your help in making this payment forthcoming.”

Our work for you We are seeing great results following the introduction of multi-agency discussions where we help to mediate Who and rebuild are carer/scheme relationships. We do this by encouraging householders? open communication and acting as informal advocates when the carer is in crisis and can’t represent themselves effectively.

Often older people or people need Adding a Policy Officer to our who membership informal support to continue living in team has been transformative for our their support to own home. members. The role is in place to keep on top of all policy issues related to Shared Lives across They may have support needs or may all four nations. It has already paid dividends have become isolated or anxious about with livingexcellent alone. results on fire safety policy and, since Covid-19, adapting and tailoring generic government the specifics A person that enjoys guidance passing ontotheir skills of Shared Lives, to providing crucial, relevant, and experience enrich the lives of those and that Homeshare withfor them. appropriate support Shared Lives schemes and carers.

This role has also increased our capacity to influence policy makers in government and we have been attending regular Zoom meetings Make a match to enable an at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) older person to live longer throughout the pandemic, representing the at views home of members. This has been so important during the last two years, and we have been Each Homeshare match is bespoke and policy, so successful in changing government agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local it takes into consideration the specific needs Homeshare provider can make a unique of people living and working in Shared Lives. match between the person you’ve got in mind, and a homesharer who has the One carer told “I have really appreciated the right interests andus skills to support them. efforts that all SLP staff have made to support usaall over the last 12you months, it can’t have been Once match is made, will have peace ofI’m mind that person you’re easy sure, sothe thank you all”. supporting has the best support possible for them annow individual.

Thereas are 13 carer-led support groups across the UK, for carers within a scheme to come together to support each other, and to use their shared voice to improve things within that Shared Lives scheme. We are keen for members in every scheme to be able to connect to each other like this.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit To find out whether your scheme has a carerofledextra the supporthelp group upround and running yet, call us on 0151 227 3499 or search on sharedlivesplus. house – I’m not getting org.uk. any younger!”

Search keywords:

What else have we been doing?Who are

homesharers?

Over the past 12 months: We partnered with Voiceability, an advocacy organisation who provide support so that Typically, younger people – creating an intergenerational match. people are heard in decisions about their own health, care, and wellbeing. Co-production and Professional students looking forthe an Shared partnership working are high up on alternative to halls or student housing.

Lives Plus agenda.

Key public service workers who cannot Our Champions received training from the Law afford housing where they work.

Centre Network, and the British Institute of Human Rights, toisenhance A person that happy totheir giveunderstanding their time of how legislation can help improve the lives to support the needs of older people. of Shared Lives carers. They have used this to help carers advocate for their rights and the rights of those they support.

We liaised with Blue Light Card to ensure that carers were able to take advantage of the discounts they offer to health and care workers and managed this process internally.

We secured expert legal advice to inform our Key facts: guidance on self-employment for Shared Lives carers inNo light of the Supreme Court ruling in personal care is involved, the Uberonly case.practical support and companionship is provided.

We want all Sharedparticipants Lives carers All Homeshare are vetted, and matches are based to feel:

on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. is supported and 1. ValuedThe andHomeshare respected by other social carefully monitored by a local care professionals (e.g. scheme workers Homeshare organisation. and commissioners), the government, and theHomesharing general public is not a rental service, so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent.

2. Confident in their caring role

The householder and homesharer 3. Emotionally, financially, and practically both pay a fee to their local Homeshare organisation to cover supported the costs of their ongoing service and if monitoring support.

Let us know we can help you, onThe any issue, homesharer will contribute to thein no matter how large or small, by getting householder towards utility bills. touch via the Shared Lives carer helpline – 0151 227 3499.

carer- led support groups Householder London 9

Stacey Dooley meets Richard and Paul

Sharing magazine - April 2022

10

The twins were faced with homelessness and separation after losing their only carer, their aunty.

Paul and Richard Jordan, who have a learning disability, featured in Stacey Dooley's latest podcast series, Fresh Starts, on BBC Sounds released this January. Their interview follows hot on the heels of Dooley’s first podcast with engaged couple Holly and Geoffrey, who live with Shared Lives carers from Shared Lives South West scheme, who we will feature in our next issue. You can listen to both interviews on BBC Sounds on your phone or online.

Dooley heard how the twins, Paul and Richard, 35, had lived with Glennis, their aunt in Newport for many years. She was their only carer and cared for nearly every aspect of their lives. Their world was turned upside down when she was suddenly admitted to hospital in 2020, diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and given just six weeks to live.

Paul said: “We found ourselves in the worst situation we could have ever imagined, our aunt and only carer was admitted into hospital and sadly passed away soon after. We were grieving, terrified of being alone, not knowing how to look after ourselves.”

With things happening so quickly, the men were in danger of being left on the street when their aunt passed away. But the quick thinking of family friends alerted Newport social services, who referred the men to their local Shared Lives service.

But when a carer is needed immediately - perhaps because of an unforeseen breakdown at home - naturally it can be hard to find someone compatible with suitable accommodation at such short notice. They were at risk of being separated.

Stacey Dooley meets Richard and Paul Then, as if by fate, staff at South East Wales Shared Lives scheme found carer Tina Mustoe from Rogiet who welcomed the twins into her Who are home with open arms. It also happened that householders? she had two free bedrooms.

Shared Lives co-ordinator Sam Temby said: "It was absolute fate. We try our best to Often older or people who need match peoplepeople with compatible carers and informal support to continue living in their she happened to have two free bedrooms. own home.

We've got some carers who would have been suitable, but trying to find emergency They may have support needs or may accommodation is hard enough, let alone have become isolated or anxious about trying to find it for two." living alone.

The first month with Tina wason a rollercoaster A person that enjoys passing their skills of emotions as the twins struggled tothose come to and experience to enrich the lives of that Homeshare with them. terms with their aunt’s passing, and a new and unfamiliar life. Soon after, the first Covid-19 lockdown hit which brought fresh worries affecting the funeral arrangements, and longer-term, their future together.

Make a match to enable an Yet with Tina’s patient, dedicated and older person to live the longer compassionate support, twins began at to home build a new life. Tina made it clear that she had no intention of splitting them up, Each Homeshare is bespoke and and that they match could stay with her as long as agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local they wanted to. They showed tremendous Homeshare provider can make a unique resilience and began to grow in other ways match between the person you’ve got in mind, and a homesharer who has the right interests and skills to support them.

Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible for them as an individual.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit of extra help round the house – I’m not getting any younger!”

too. They learned practical skills like cooking and began to experience life in a fuller sense, exploring the outdoors Who throughare wild fruitpicking and spending time with Tina’s horses. homesharers?

They also had a far greater say in how they lived – expressing their wishes and ambitions and coming to mutual agreements with Tina about how to reach their goals.

Typically, younger people – creating anwe intergenerational match.

“Since meet Tina our lives have changed so much! We are learning new skills all the time Professional students looking for an and coping mechanisms on managing anxiety alternative to halls or student housing. and grief. For the first time in our lives we are in control of what our care and who support looks Key public service workers cannot like. afford We’ve experienced sothey many new things housing where work. together as a family and look forward to the future.

A person that is happy to give their time to support the needs of older people.

“We are constantly building our confidence, skills and overcoming long standing fears, especially in the in the kitchen and now love practising our signature dish of spaghetti bolognese with Tina’s support.”

When Stacey Dooley’s team heard about the twins’ story, they arranged to meet them at their home, where recording took place in December year. The episode was released Keylast facts: in January and has been listened to over 30,000 times far! care is involved, No so personal only practical support and companionship is provided.

All Homeshare participants are vetted, and matches are based on interests, lifestyle and hobbies.

The Homeshare is supported and carefully monitored by a local Homeshare organisation.

Homesharing is not a rental service, so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent.

The householder and homesharer both pay a fee to their local Homeshare organisation to cover the costs of their ongoing service and monitoring support. The homesharer will contribute to the householder towards utility bills.

All social distancing Householder - London guidance in place at the time was followed during the visit.

11

Sharing magazine - April 2022

Ask your carer support team

Question:

12

We’re joint carers who get public liability insurance through our scheme. Do we really need joint carer membership of Shared Lives Plus if we can get most of the membership benefits with a single carer membership?

Answer: Joint carers with a single carer membership can still take advantage of the discounts and support that Shared Lives Plus offer - as long as everything goes through the named member. But there are some aspects of membership which cannot be shared with non-members. In particular, the access to legal advice and legal expenses.

The legal expenses cover included in our basic and full membership provides up to £100,000 of cover. This gives you access to legal advice and support from specialist solicitors if someone makes a claim against you, you face de-approval as a Shared Lives carer, or face other legal issues related to your role as a Shared Lives carer.

However, this cover only applies to named carer members. If you have a single carer membership in your name, but your nonmember partner is faced with legal problems, they will not be able to access the legal advice or legal expenses cover, and would be responsible for finding, and paying for, their own legal support.

The difference in price between single and joint basic carer membership is less than 30p a week.

Search keywords: legal support

Ask your carer support team

Who are householders?

Often older people or people who need informal support to continue living in their own home.

They may have support needs or may have become isolated or anxious about living alone.

A person that enjoys passing on their skills and experience to enrich the lives of those that Homeshare with them.

Make a match to enable an older person to live longer at home Each Homeshare match is bespoke and agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique match between the person you’ve got in mind, and a homesharer who has the right interests and skills to support them.

Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible for them as an individual.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit of extra help round the house – I’m not getting any younger!”

Householder - London

Who are homesharers?

Question:

I provide day support to someone who pays with a direct payment. Can they still pay younger if people – creating with Typically, a direct payment they move in with an intergenerational match. me on a long term, live-in basis?

Answer:

Professional students looking for an alternative to halls or student housing.

Key public service workers who cannot Sinceafford the introduction of the Care Act in 2014, housing where they work. everyone who receives funding to pay for their social care hasthat theisright to ask for their a personal A person happy to give time to support the needs of older people. budget and to take it as a direct payment.

Direct payments in Shared Lives can be used to pay for live in, short breaks or day support and can be combined with other forms of personalised support.

The type of support is not relevant, what matters is the relationship set up between the Shared Lives carer, direct payment holder, and Shared Lives scheme.

Key facts:

In England, direct payments are only is involved, of the possible ifNo thepersonal scheme care is independent only practical support andruns the local authority. Where the council companionship provided.

Shared Lives scheme andisdirect payments are not possible, a managed personal budget can All Homeshare participants are be used. In either case, it is the Shared Lives vetted, and matches are based scheme that should be paid by direct payment, on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. not the Shared Lives carer.is supported and The Homeshare

carefully monitored by a local If the person you support pays you directly Homeshare organisation. for care, rather than through the scheme, is notcould a rental service, you createHomesharing a situation which lead to a a homesharer doesn’tyour pay rent. conflict ofso interest and jeopardise status as a Shared Lives carer. (See Sharing Vol 34 for The householder and homesharer more on this) both pay a fee to their local Homeshare organisation to cover The point of personal budgets, whether taken the costs of their ongoing service as a direct payment or not, is to give people and monitoring support. The more choice over theirwill care, so the financial homesharer contribute to the mechanism used should be secondary to householder towards utility bills. ensuring the individual has choice and control.

Search keywords: direct payments 13

Sharing magazine - April 2022

Helen Piscioneri

Steve Collis

Champions Corner

We know from talking with carers that many of you have had a long, difficult winter, and are feeling flat and fed up. But as we move into spring and the days start to get longer and warmer, we hope you can find at least a few moments to stop and smell the daffodils. Steve can't wait to be able to get out into the garden and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning sun.

14

2022 started off with a positive first “Your Voice” forum. Many thanks to all of you that attended and contributed to such a strong start to this new venture. We hope it will develop to be a force for good and and ensure carers are represented throughout Shared Lives Plus' work. Your Champs are already working on some of the issues that came up during the meeting (see page 16).

One issue that we know you are particularly concerned about is the ongoing increase in the cost of living, and the fact the service contributions have not kept up with the recent rise in household bills - and as we have seen in the news, energy bills are set to rise considerably. Our colleagues are looking into what they can do to improve things for Shared Lives carers across the country, but please remember that you are not alone. If you are concerned or worried about your personal situation, or just want someone to lend an understanding ear, call us – it's what we’re here for.

After a few initial hiccups, we’re delighted that so many of you are now able to sign up for a Blue Light discount card, which has strict eligibility criteria. Helen has been supporting a dozen members per week with their applications and has recently sent out her 250th ‘proof of eligibility’ letter. We love hearing about all the discounts and benefits you’re taking advantage of with the card, and we’re always on the lookout for more opportunities like this for Shared Lives carers.

As ever, if you need support with anything from discount cards to de-approval, call the carer helpline on 0151 227 3499, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We’ll be back in the next issue of Sharing, but in the meantime, be kind to yourselves and remember to look after your own wellbeing.

Your Voice member forum update

Your Voice member forum update

Who are householders?

Who are homesharers?

Supporting, and listening to our Network

Often older people or people who need Typically, younger people – creating the first Your Voice forums, an informal supportIn toJanuary continue2022 livingShared in theirLives Plus hosted an intergenerational match. opportunity for our members to find out about our plans and share their own home.

Professional students looking insight and expertise to help shape the future of Shared Lives Plus. for an They may have support needs or may alternative to halls or student housing. have become isolated or anxious about During the meeting, interim CEO Jayne Wilson shared what we have been living alone.

Keykey public serviceover workers whoyear. cannot doing in recent months and outlined our priorities the next afford housing where they work.

A person that enjoys passing on their skills and experience to enrich the lives of those Strengthening our core supportA person that is happy to give their time that Homeshare with them. to support the needs of older people.

The work we do to support our Shared Lives carer and scheme members is our bread and butter, and our core strand of work – and it always will be. We want to continue to improve what we offer as part of membership. For instance, we have listened to your feedback about training and are in the process of making more specifican to the work you do. We are also looking at what else we can offer Make a matchitto enable our members, like the new tax helpline (see page 2).

older person to live longer at home

Focusing on growth and development of all our programmes

Each Homeshare match is bespoke and Key facts: The inclusion Shared Lives in the latest social care plan from Westminster is agreed on a case-by-case basis. Youroflocal great opportunity Homeshare provideracan make a unique for us, and we are looking into how we can make the most of No personal care is involved, match between the person you’ve got it for everyone in Shared Lives and Homeshare in the UK. only practical support and in mind, and a homesharer who has the companionship is provided. right interests and skills to support them.

We are also about to begin some work on increasing referrals to Shared Lives schemes – thinking about how we can help andparticipants help schemes Allgenerate Homeshare are and Once a match is made, you will have social workers process referrals more effectively, youmatches have theare arrangements vetted,soand based peace of mind that the person you’re and work you want. on interests, lifestyle and hobbies. supporting has the best support possible The Homeshare is supported and for them as an individual. by a localgood And you will also be hearing more about ourcarefully quality monitored project, supporting Homeshare organisation. practice across the sector. We are encouraging schemes to use the Shared Lives Charter and Ambassador test to identify areas for improvement and commit to Homesharing is not a rental service, that improvement. so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and The householder and homesharer even thoughContinuing I hate to our work around advocacy and influencing both pay a fee to their local admit it I doAlex need a bit Homeshare organisation to cover Fox did a brilliant job of raising the profile of Shared Lives and the costs of their ongoing service of extra help round the Shared Lives Plus. and monitoring support. The homesharer will contribute to the house – I’m His not getting work as our CEO has left us in a very strong position.towards The strength householder utility and bills. any younger!” depth of expertise across the organisation means that we can continue to

make sure our Shared Lives carers unique role is considered in any workforce Householder - London developments – as we have over vaccines nationally.

15

Sharing magazine - April 2022

Looking at how Shared Lives Plus is organised and structured We’re a growing organisation, especially with the recent significant investment in Homeshare UK - and as we grow, there will be some changes. But our purpose will stay the same, and our aim will always be to help you grow and develop.

We want to make sure we have the funding, resources, and structure in place to do that effectively. Launching and developing Your Voice is a big part of that, since the elected chairs of the forums will sit on our board of trustees and represent our members at the highest level of the organization.

We feel a good process for electing these forum chairs is to hold a type of hustings at the 3rd forum meeting in July, where candidates can talk about why they want to do the role and why they are the best candidate. The candidates will then speak to the board in an informal interview, with the top three going to a members vote for selection.

The forum also featured a wide ranging and open discussion which was mediated by the chair of our board of trustees Richard Jones.

The topics for discussion were: How can we make what we do more sustainable?

What should Shared Lives Plus be doing more of, and what should we be doing less of?

What do you think the biggest challenges will be for Shared Lives and Homeshare, post pandemic – and what can we do about them?

What issues do you think we should be campaigning on?

16

Several subjects were raised during the meeting, but two issues were of significant concern to carer members.

You told us that you were concerned about the increase in the cost of living, and that carers income hasn’t increased with the rate of inflation. Carers also raised the suggestion that we should be campaigning for an increase in Qualifying Care Relief.

We have begun to work with schemes to get a clear picture of differing rates of household contributions across the UK, and we will consult with the wider membership about whether to launch a campaign around QCR. While QCR has a significant impact on Shared Lives carers income, it is a form of tax relief and not a guaranteed statutory benefit. A campaign highlighting QCR carries the potential risk that the government could decide to reduce the rate of QCR, if they felt it was an area where they could save some money. So, any campaign we launch around QCR must have broad support from Shared Lives Plus carer members, with the understanding that an unsuccessful campaign could leave many of you less well off than you are now.

You also told us that it was very important for you to have the opportunity to connect with other Shared Lives carers.

We agree. We believe it is vital for carers to be able to connect with each other, support each other, and speak with a shared voice to tackle issues together. We are working with schemes across the country to set up carer-led groups to facilitate this at a local level. We have also listened to your feedback about how much you valued being able to get to know carers from other parts of the country, and we are talking to members about how we can make this happen.

Shared Lives Awards 2022

Who are householders?

Who are homesharers?

Shared Lives Awards 2022

Nominations for this years Shared Lives awards open during Shared Lives week, but it’s never too soon to start Often older people or people who need Typically, younger people – creating thinking about who you want to put forward. informal support to continue living in their an intergenerational match. own home.

The award categories are: Professional students looking for an They may have support needs or may alternative to halls or student housing.

Outstanding Shared carer of the year have become isolated or Lives anxious about living alone.

Key public service workers who cannot The human rights award for free expression afford housing where they work. (for someone who is supported in Shared Lives) A person that enjoys passing on their skills andShared experience enrich the lives of those A person that is happy to give their time LivestoChampions that Homeshare with them. to support the needs of older people.

The award for scheme innovation shared lives plus

Search on sharedlivesplus.org.uk to find out more about how to nominate, and read more about some of our past winners.

keywords: awards MakeSearch a match to enable an 2022 older person to live longer at home Each Homeshare match is bespoke and agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique match between the person you’ve got in mind, and a homesharer who has the right interests and skills to support them.

Key facts:

Next meeting -10:30am Thursday 21st April, on Zoom Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible for them as an individual.

Agenda:

An update on the CEO recruitment

No personal care is involved, only practical support and companionship is provided.

All Homeshare participants are vetted, and matches are based on interests, lifestyle and hobbies.

The Homeshare is supported and carefully monitored by a local Homeshare organisation.

“It’s given me a new Homesharing is not a rental service, Update on Shared Lives Plus' work since the last Your Voice so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent. perspective on life and topic: "What makes a good Shared Lives scheme?"

The householder and homesharer evenDiscussion though I hate to both pay a fee to their local Break out rooms and group discussion admit it I do need a bit Homeshare organisation to cover Determine the topic for next forum the costs of their ongoing service of extra help round the and monitoring support. The You can share your thoughts on the discussion topic with us in advance, homesharer will contribute to the house – I’m not getting or during the meeting. householder towards utility bills. any younger!”

Search keywords: Your Voice carers forum Householder - London 17

Shared Lives: a network of support 18

Since the first 'adult placements' over 40 years ago, Shared Lives has grown into a flexible, personal model of care. One which draws its strength not only from the individuals and organisations within it, but from the connections between the different parts of the network. Here's an illustrated guide to how it all fits together.

Shared Lives and the supported person

At the centre of every Shared Lives arrangement is someone who needs support.

They are given this support by a network of people and organisations which could include, social services, the NHS, charities, the DWP, their friends and family, personal assistants, and of course their Shared Lives scheme and carer.

Shared Lives arrangements can last for years, or even decades, but they have to start somewhere, and the path to Shared Lives goes through several steps.

The path to Shared Lives

Individual with care needs

Assessment

Referral

Matching

Arrangement

Local authority or trust / family / etc

Local Shared Lives scheme

Registered Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives: a network of support

In almost all cases, the path to Shared Lives Who are begins with an assessment of someone's needs. This could be a formal assessment householders? by a local authority, NHS, or HSC trust, or sometimes an informal assessment by the person’s family, or the person themselves.

Once everyone is happy to go ahead with the are is drawn match, an arrangementWho agreement up between the person homesharers? using the service, the Shared Lives carer, the scheme, and anyone else involved in commissioning the service (e.g. a family member).

Often older people or people who need The person looking for support is then informal support to continue living in their referred to a local Shared Lives scheme. own home.

From there the scheme begins the matching process, introducing suitable They may have support needsShared or mayLives carers, and giving all participants the time have become isolated or anxious about living alone. and space to get to know each other, before making a long-term commitment.

A person that enjoys passing on their skills and experience to enrich the lives of those that Homeshare with them.

Typically, younger people – creating Every path, every arrangement, and every an intergenerational match. network of support is unique. But they all share the crucial students element -looking the Shared Lives Professional for an schemes and values of personal matching alternative to halls or student housing.and mutual benefit.

Key public service workers who cannot afford housing where they work.

The role of the Shared Lives scheme

Make a match to enable an older person to live longer at home Each Homeshare match is bespoke and Shared Lives Carer Supported Person agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique match between the person you’ve got in mind, and a homesharer who has the right interests and skills to support them.

Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible Shared Lives Scheme for them as an individual.

Shared Lives is a specific form of care, defined by the care regulator in each nation (Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate Scotland, Care Inspectorate Wales and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) as a service provided by a Shared Lives scheme.

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit of extra help round the So, while Shared Lives carers are the people house – Shared I’m not getting delivering Lives care, the scheme, as the provider, carries the administrative and any younger!” regulatory burden.

A person that is happy to give their time to support the needs of older people.

Some elements of Shared Lives support are what are known as ‘regulated activities’. For instance, helping someone with washing or bathing - either physically, or through prompting and supervision - falls under the regulated activity of ‘personal care’.

Schemes that provide personal care must, Key facts: by law, be registered with the care regulator, and regularly inspected. However, individual No personal care is involved, Shared Lives do support not needand to be onlycarers practical registeredcompanionship with the care regulator, because is provided. they are assessed, approved and supported by the scheme.

All Homeshare participants are vetted, and matches are based lifestyle and hobbies.

Schemes on areinterests, also legally responsible for The Homeshare is supported and the quality and safety of care in each of carefully monitored by a local their Shared Lives arrangements. It is their Homeshare organisation. duty to monitor care and safeguard those receiving care.

Homesharing is not a rental service, so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent.

Schemes are responsible for: The householder and homesharer Recruiting, assessing, both pay a fee toapproving their local and training Shared Lives carers Homeshare organisation to cover the costs of their ongoing service Matching people who support. need support and monitoring The with suitable Shared Lives carers homesharer will contribute to the householder towards utility bills.

Supporting and monitoring Shared Lives arrangements

Householder - London 19

Shared Lives schemes around the UK There are 150 Shared Lives schemes in the UK. Two thirds are run directly by the local authority in an area, and the rest are independently run by charities or a Community Interest Company (CIC).

Since most Shared Lives arrangements are funded through the local authority/Health and Social Care Trust (HSC) social care provision, there is often a strong link between the location of a Shared Lives scheme and the boundaries of the local authority/HSC. In many cases there is one scheme per local authority/HSC and one local authority/HSC per scheme - but it’s not like that everywhere.

Some schemes cover a large geographic area and more than one local authority, like Shared Lives South West and Cornerstone in Scotland.

Other areas, like Leeds, have more than one Shared Lives scheme. And there are still a few places in the UK where there is no Shared Lives provision at all.

With this much variety, there really is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Shared Lives scheme, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Trying to standardise every Shared Lives scheme would be like trying to standardise every Shared Lives arrangement. The strength of the model is in its flexibility, and in the ability of the network to adapt to the needs of the individuals it supports.

Everyone supported in Shared Lives should be able to expect the same high standard of care, and every Shared Lives carer should feel confident and secure in their role, wherever they are in the country – and that’s where we come in.

Schemes vary considerably in size too. There are some schemes with just a handful of Shared Lives carers supporting a handful of people, and others with more than 200 Shared Lives carers or 300 supported people. Some schemes have a sizeable proportion of carers who only do day support or short breaks, while others only have carers who offer long term support.

Since Shared Lives can be suitable for people with a wide range of support needs, different schemes can have vastly different profiles.

75% of people supported in Shared Lives in England have support needs related to a learning disability, autism, or Asperger’s, but in Scotland, 50% of people living or visiting a Shared Lives carer have support needs related to old age or dementia. And while people with support needs related to mental ill health make up only 2% of placements in Scotland, they account for 7% of placements in England and more than 10% in Wales.

20

Cornerstone

Leeds

Shared Lives South West

Shared Lives: a network of support

Shared Lives Plus

Who are householders?

Carer Members

Who are National andhomesharers?

Regulatory

devolved governments

shared lives plus

bodies

Local authority representatives and associations Typically, younger people – creating

Often older people or people who need informal support to continue living in their own home.

an intergenerational match.

Health and social Related national Professional students looking for an care organisations groups and charities alternative to halls or student housing.

They may have support needs or may Scheme Members have become isolated or anxious about living alone.

Shared Lives Plus is the only membership charity working for Shared Lives carers and A personacross that enjoys passing on their skills schemes the whole of the UK. We’re and experience to enrich the lives of those here to provide a central hub of support that Homeshare with them. and information for the rest of the network - including Shared Lives schemes and carers, social workers, regulatory bodies, and government ministers.

Make a match to enable an We talk to our members to understand what’s happening at a local level, older person to live longerwe connect at schemes home and carers to each other to share

Key public service workers cannot national voice, and single pointwho of reference, afford housing where they work. for people outside Shared Lives.

A person thatShared is happy to give time We want to grow Lives intotheir a popular to support the needs of older people. mainstream option for people across the UK, and we are delighted that Sajid Javid the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has enthusiastically supported the Shared Lives model. In his recent speech on health and social care reform he announced that the government “will work with local authorities to help grow their Shared Lives scheme”.

and develop best practice, and we provide a

Each Homeshare match is bespoke and Key facts: Shared Lives ... And? agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local Homeshare provider can make a unique NoOur personal careisistoinvolved, Despite the name, Shared Livesgot is only one part of what we do. mission build match between the person you’ve only practical support and communities where everyone lives in mind, and a homesharer who has thea full life regardless of the support they need, and companionship is provided. our vision is a kinder, right interests and skills tostronger support society them. built on sharing our lives and our homes.

Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible for them as an individual.

Shared Lives

shared lives plus

Homeshare UK

“It’s given me a new As well as supporting Lives we are perspective onShared life and also the national network for Homeshare, even I hate to rooms whichthough connects people with spare with people who are happy to chat and admit it I do need a bit lend a hand around the house in return for ofaffordable, extra sociable help accommodation. round theWe have recently been awarded significant funding to house – I’m not getting support Homeshare in the UK, and in 2022 we any younger!” are expanding our work in this area by setting

up new Homeshare services in the North West Householder London and North- East of England.

All Homeshare participants are vetted, and matches are based on interests, lifestyle and hobbies.

The Homeshare is supported and carefully monitored by a local Homeshare organisation.

Family by Family

Homesharing is not a rental service, so pioneering a homesharer doesn’t rent.

We are also a model of pay family peer support in the UK. Family by Family The householder helps ‘seeking’ families whoand arehomesharer going through both pay a fee to their local a tough time, by linking them with ‘sharing’ Homeshare organisation to cover families who have been through tough times the costs of their ongoing service and come out the other side, and providing and monitoring support. The an encouraging environment supported by a homesharer will contribute to the family coach.

Our pilot project in Stoke-onhouseholder towards utility bills.

Trent is having positive results and we are hoping to bring Family by Family to other areas very soon.

21

Sharing magazine - April 2022

Useful phone numbers

Who are householders?

Membership enquiries: UK Tax Return Service:

Who are homesharers?

For legal expenses enquiries 0330 303 1876

Shared Lives Plus Office NB There is a charge for To make a claim on your 0151 227 3499 this service info@sharedlivesplus legal expenses cover: Often older people or people who need Typically, younger people – creating .org.uk support to continue livingIntellect ARAG match. informal in their Business Services: an intergenerational Jayne Barrett own home.

0117 917 1698 Professional students looking for an 0121 794 2289 Shared Lives Plus They helpline: may have support needs or may alternative toInsurance: halls or student housing. currently £160 inc. VAT. carer have become isolated or anxious about 0151 227 3499 living alone. workers who cannot Towergate main line BWM Accountants: Key public service afford housing where they work.

A message will be taken 0113 236 8603 Sue Stephens A person that enjoys passing on their skills 0151 236 1494 and one of the carer support and experience to enrich the lives of those A person that is happy to give their time Public liability queries: currently £175 + VAT team will call you back that Homeshare with them. to support the needs of older people.

Craig Pinches 07515 629473 Mortgage advice: Legal advice: Mortgage Brain: Katie/Marcus 0800 987 1700

General telephone legal advice on any legal matter, Make a match to enable an including de-approval Benefit advice: to live longer older person Jackson Lees at Jackson home Lees 0151 541 0240 0151 541 0240 where you

For Household/Travel/ Motor Insurance: Christine Howard 0113 236 8603 Christine.Howard@ towergate.co.uk

will be put through to the Each Homeshare match is bespoke and Key facts: agreed on a case-by-case basis. Your local relevant department Homeshare provider can make a unique No personal care is involved, match between the person you’ve got only practical support and in mind, and a homesharer who has the companionship is provided. right interests and skills to support them.

Once a match is made, you will have peace of mind that the person you’re supporting has the best support possible Find as out for them anmore individual.

All Homeshare participants are vetted, and matches are based on interests, lifestyle and hobbies.

The Homeshare is supported and carefully monitored by a local Homeshare organisation.

To find out more about anything in this issue, search on sharedlivesplus.org.uk using the suggested search keywords.

Homesharing is not a rental service, so a homesharer doesn’t pay rent.

Search keywords: Sharing 36

“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admitwww.sharedlivesplus.org.uk it I do need a bit info@sharedlivesplus.org.uk of extra help round the house – I’m not getting Reg Charity number (England and Wales) 1095562 any younger!”

Company number 4511426 Householder London Reg Charity- No (Scotland) SC042743

The householder and homesharer both pay a fee to their local Homeshare organisation to cover the costs of their ongoing service Shared Lives Plus and monitoring support. The G04, The Cotton Exchange homesharer will contribute to the Old Hall householder towards utility bills.Street Liverpool L3 9JR 0151 227 3499