Sharing Magazine Vol 41

Sam and his Shared Lives carer Frances visiting Whatton Lodge in Gullane - they are supported by

Midlothian.

Jayne Wilson Director of Development, Shared Lives Plus

Hello everyone,

Welcome to your summer edition of Sharing. This year, much like the rest of the care sector, we have faced pressures, but are continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that Shared Lives carers are recognised for the valuable work they do.

Despite the challenges we are facing, I am still massively positive about the future. We are continuing to have positive discussions with decision makers about the development of Shared Lives. The wellbeing of Shared Lives carers and growth of Shared Lives are always our priorities in these talks. You can read about these discussions on page 17.

This work will only accelerate as we roll out our Invaluable campaign – you can read the last edition of Sharing to see the results of our initial research, or visit our website and search 'invaluable'.

As your membership charity, we hope to give you the best advice when it comes to the difficult issues that come with being a Shared Lives carer. In this edition we will advise you on; personal finances, cost of living payments, and what to do when a Shared Lives arrangement comes to an end.

We're also bringing you an update on the Your Voice forum elections, when Shared Lives Plus carer members cast their votes and elected a forum chair and deputy chair. These elections are part of our governance reform, and our commitment to champion the voices of Shared Lives carers at every level within Shared Lives Plus. You can read about the election of Drusilla Lloyd, Chair, and Diane Miller, Vice Chair, on page 14.

What makes me most hopeful is the work of inspiring Shared Lives carers across the UK. Whenever I visit a Shared Lives household I am reminded of why we are working towards a society where shared living is widespread.

To celebrate the fantastic work you do, in June Shared Lives schemes and Shared Lives carers from across the UK celebrated Shared Lives Week. The week provided an excellent opportunity for schemes to meet people within their communities and ask them ‘Have you considered Shared Lives?’. You can read about some of the fantastic stories from Shared Lives Week on page 2.

Thank you for the work you do allowing people to live full and happy lives. If you need our support please get in touch on:

membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Search keywords:

'Invaluable reports'

Shared Lives Week

At the end of June, Shared Lives carers and Shared Lives schemes up and down the UK celebrated Shared Lives Week. The week provided an opportunity for schemes, carers, and those receiving support from Shared Lives to celebrate. Here is what some schemes were getting up to:

Ategi

The Ategi scheme in Wales hosted get togethers between carers and those that they support. As part of the event carers and supported people filled in posters telling us why they think Shared Lives is important and why they love Shared Lives. Chif who receives support said: "I love Shared Lives because I get to meet people."

Shared Lives carer, Victoria Amediku said: "I love Shared Lives because I can make a difference in another person’s life by sharing my life."

The Ategi scheme also attended a Music Train event, a music event for adults with additional needs.

East Lothian

The East Lothian scheme hosted a coffee morning for carers and the people they support in order to celebrate the wonderful support that their carers provide.

At the event they had the opportunity to meet Colin Jeffrey, the scheme's new Registered Service Manager, Ben Hall, Development Manager in Scotland, and Abby Farrell, Shared Lives Plus Ambassador. Everyone had fun playing ice breaker games and enjoyed some delicious cake. The Mars Bar cake made by Duncan, a supported person, was especially yummy.

The event also provided an opportunity for discussions to take place about how the scheme can further support carers, with a carer support group being mentioned.

Bury

Bury scheme, Persona Care and Support, invited invited all their new carers, applicants and cherished long-time carers to celebrate Shared Lives Week along with the people they support. Everyone shared news about their lives over a delicious buffet lunch.

Mccauley, a supported person with the scheme spoke about his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award which he achieved back in 2022. As a result, he was invited to Buckingham Palace where he received the award from Prince Edward, though he still had more amazing news to share with everyone. He has won yet another award, after recently receiving the Prestwich Carnival Young Person of the Year!

Bedford

In Bedford they marked the beginning of Shared Lives Week by lighting the Bedford Town Bridge and Riverside Bridge purple. It’s fair to say to say it looked absolutely stunning.

The Bedford scheme also got together with Macintyre Shared Lives for a coffee morning for all of their supported people, carers, and families in order to celebrate.

Bristol

The Shared Lives scheme in Bristol visited the Severnvale Bowls Club, where Shared Lives carers, supported people, and scheme workers had a lovely day out – as part of Shared Lives Week 2023.

The day was organised by Tracy Bartlett, Shared Lives Officer, who is a member of the club. Thank you to Bowls England who allowed the scheme to help with their initiative for inclusion of all ages and disabilities in bowls. The day also provided Shared Lives Bristol with a great opportunity to promote their services to the local community in Severnvale.

Feedback from club volunteers and those who attended was really positive, several people who attended have expressed an interest in taking up the sport and joining local clubs.

The club are now planning similar events and are hoping to build relationships with local day services who attended in order to further integrate them within the local community.

Sandwell

Sandwell Shared Lives took their carers out for a lovely afternoon tea to celebrate Shared Lives Week. A wide variety of sweet treats were on offer. They looked delicious! Those that unfortunately couldn’t attend were sent self-care packs so they could pamper themselves in their own time.

Midlothian

The Midlothian Shared Lives scheme held an event locally to promote Shared Lives. The local Shared Lives team, alongside supported people, chatted to members of the local community about the benefits of Shared Lives.

Sam McFerrin and his Shared Lives carer Frances Sneddon went on holiday to

Whatton Lodge in Gullane. Whatton Lodge used to be a home for mineworkers, though is now a holiday destination which is inclusive to older people and those with disabilities. It is set in a beautiful seascape with views to die for! Sam and Frances had a wonderful time and met lots of new friends.

Shared Lives carer at the coronation

Shared Lives carer Rowenna GarrardBrown attended the King's coronation following her fantastic work supporting those during the pandemic, describing the event as a ‘surreal’ experience. Rowenna was present in Westminster Abbey as King Charles officially became the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned since 1066.

“Honestly there was no comparison to being there, absolutely no comparison. It gave you goosebumps throughout. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic.” Says Rowenna.

Having travelled all the way down from Leeds the day before, Rowenna arrived at Westminster Abbey at 9am and was seated inside. As the morning went on more and more high-profile names arrived; foreign dignitaries, exprime ministers, and the Royal Family all filtered through the Abbey's door as Rowenna watched on. A few big name celebs were also amongst the attendees.

“You were rubbing shoulders with very well-known people. I mean, I saw lots of people like Ant and Dec, and Katy Perry!”

The official process of the coronation began soon after, an event which only comes around once a generation. Rowenna looked on in awe at the truly historical ceremony, something she says she "will never forget".

“It was all very historic. These traditions have taken place over almost 1000 years or more.

“It felt like you were going back in time to be honest.”

Looking back on it now, Rowenna still can’t quite believe she was there on the day, though is quietly looking forward to getting back into the swing of her daily life.

“I just want to sort of go back to what I know. I don't really like having the spotlight on me.”

She had to have the spotlight on her a little bit longer as she was invited to speak about her experience on BBC’s Look North. This provided a great opportunity for a fun day out with the people she supports.

Rowenna is a registered carer with Leeds Shared Lives and St Anne's Shared Lives. She supports two people in her home in Seacroft, and two others in the community. Having previously worked as a parent support advisor for students with special needs, Rowenna became a Shared Lives carer following an interesting conversation with her sister.

“My sister said: ‘Rowenna have you never considered adults?’ And you know, up until that point I hadn't considered adults, and all I'd ever done is worked with children. But of course, I worked with children with additional needs and they don’t have an expiry date, do they?”

It was Rowenna’s work as a Shared Lives carer that started her journey to the coronation. When lockdown hit Rowenna knew it was vital for the wellbeing of those she supported, and herself, that they remained active. As a result, she put together a rolling weekly programme which included; cooking, arts and crafts, dance and drama, as well as exercise. This fantastic work saw her nominated for a BME, which she was eventually awarded.

Despite this, Rowenna remains remarkably humble.

“They’re things that I enjoyed doing. They’re things that we often do actually, and I've got a medal for it? I can't really connect the dots with that to be honest. It's something we enjoy doing and I've got a medal for it. I don't understand, but anyway.”

As a result, Rowenna attended the garden party at Buckingham Palace last year, and this February she received an email confirming her invitation to the coronation.

“When it came through, I screamed. And as I screamed, the gentlemen I support walked through the door and I gave him the shock of his life.”

Three months on, after a truly ‘astonishing’ experience, Rowenna is looking forward to getting back to being a Shared Lives carer.

“I will never look back because it is the best job I've ever had.”

It’s thanks to the amazing work of carers like Rowenna, up and down the UK, that thousands of people are able to live more dignified lives within their communities.

Thank you!

Focus on caring

During their first Cumbria Independent carer meeting, then carer champion Helen Piscioneri and Rebecca Day from our membership team, met some fantastically dedicated carers. One story really moved them, and Rebecca would like to share it with you:

Peter lives in beautiful Windermere and has been a carer since 2019, but before this worked in the hospitality industry, running pubs and hotels in his beloved Cumbria where he’s lived since he was a teenager.

One evening Peter was watching TV when a local news segment about Shared Lives posed the question: "Can you make a difference?"

At first, Peter thought he’d like to provide day support, thinking it would help him keep active as a man in his 60s. Once he’d registered with the scheme the manager asked him if he would become a full-time carer for a young man named Rhys. Peter thought this might be just what he needed.

At the time Rhys was eighteen and studying in college for his Level 3 NVQ. He moved in with Peter, and over the next three and a half years, Rhys grew in confidence.

The stable environment which Peter offers is exactly what Rhys needed, and as a result, this September Rhys will be moving on to his next adventure when he enrols at the University of Cumbria. During the week he will lodge with another Shared Lives carer, and then return to Peter on weekends and holidays.

With Peter's considered approach, Rhys has exceeded all expectations.

With Rhys excelling under his care, Peter’s scheme approached him to ask if he’d like to work with another gentleman a few days a week whilst Rhys was studying at university. Peter, ever game for a challenge, agreed and now supports Tony.

Tony is living with the symptoms of dementia and the two men have struck up a wonderful friendship. For two days a week they ‘gallivant’ (Tony’s words) around town together. Peter recently won an award for a short story about their exploits and adventures.

The Shared Lives scheme and Tony’s wife asked Peter to connect with past friendships, places, and passions as much as possible.

To keep Tony active and as connected as possible within the local community, Peter and Tony attend the monthly Pie & Pint lunch at Kendal Rugby Club, organised by Age Concern. The pair play table tennis, take part in a ceramics course, enjoy walks, and have dinners with ‘Dignity in Dementia’, the Cumbria organisation striving for those with dementia to live dignified lives. Together, Peter and Tony’s family are building a community around him, ensuring that he can still engage with friends and participate in the things he loves.

However, there isn’t always a plan when Peter meets with Tony, and they often just go with the flow. They are known locally as the ‘gentlemen who lunch’.

Peter’s support has meant that Tony’s wife can participate in her old hobbies too. She has picked up horse riding again, attends Crufts with her dogs, and is able to spend time with family and friends, safe in the knowledge that Tony is happy and safe with Peter.

After every outing the pair have, Peter puts together a story board of their time together and shares it with Tony’s family. This means that even though Tony might not remember the day’s events, his wife, children, family, and friends, can talk to him about what he’s been up to. They can show him the photos of him and Peter travelling all over the North West to reflect on the great experiences he continues to have.

Peter’s time and kindness have helped a young man realise his dreams, and another man enjoy his old age along with all its challenges. Whilst Peter's story is undeniably special, it is one of the many inspiring Shared Lives stories from up and down the UK. Every day in the membership team we hear the real-life experiences of carers, and the extraordinary impact you have on the lives of the people you support, and their families too.

Thank you!

Shared Lives carer voices vital to new Invaluable reports

We know that Shared Lives carers do the most amazing work by enriching the lives of the individuals they support, as well as the communities they live in. At Shared Lives Plus, we strongly believe that the dedication of Shared Lives carers should be recognised and reflected in their earnings. That is why last October we relaunched our #Invaluable campaign. We began by sending out two surveys: one to Shared Lives carers, and the other to Shared Lives schemes.

“I have enjoyed looking after the young person in my care. She came as a foster child and this arrangement has helped us continue to live together. I feel happy to be part of a workforce that offers compassionate family-based care to persons who would otherwise not receive it.”

– Shared Lives carer, East of England

We have now used the information collected in the two surveys to create eleven regional reports across the UK. Each report provides a breakdown of fee uplifts, care fees for live-in arrangements, and board and lodgings contributions for each region. The reports also contain statistics and quotes from Shared Lives carers, demonstrating how carers feel about the cost of living, and whether they feel valued in their role:

“If there are more increases in cost of living, my hand will be forced to give up [caring]. It will break my heart as I am very fond of the person I have looked after for 29 years.”

– Shared Lives carer, London.

The Invaluable reports form a vital part of our short to medium term plan for tackling carer fees and board and lodgings payments. We have already heard of several commissioners who have uplifted care fees to better meet regional benchmarks. As well as the reports, our CEO Ewan King, and Director of Development, Jayne Wilson, have been working hard behind the scenes to support schemes to have conversations with commissioners and directors of adult social care. Progress is being made, locally and sporadically. We will continue to support schemes to achieve local uplifts and will also carry on lobbying and developing our strategy at the national level to try and change the broader conditions that impact all social care.

The voices of Shared Lives carers are vital to bringing the fee and contributions data to life. We hope that these voices, along with the most in-depth statistics on fees and contributions we’ve ever collected, will be a powerful tool for helping Shared Lives schemes make the business case to improve fees across the UK.

For example, 81% of the commissioning organisation fee rates for one local area were below either regional or national averages for lowest fee rates for live-in arrangements. With this data, schemes in this area can make the case to local authorities that the bottom level of fees for live-in arrangements should be raised.

“[It seems that] towns manage payments differently. Why have some authorities given increased [fees] to carers and some not? And why do some authorities give annual rises to carers and others get none for years?”

– Shared Lives carer, North West

If you would like to read the Shared Lives report for your region, you can find them on our website: For more information about the Invaluable campaign, you can contact the membership team:

Search keywords: 'Invaluable reports'

membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Focus on personal finance

Though it can often feel like a tough task, staying on top of your finances is a massively important part of life. We understand that this process can be especially difficult for Shared Lives carers, which is why at Shared Lives Plus we provide you with access to expert advice on personal finances.

Shared Lives carers and tax

Just a reminder that it is your responsibility to complete your Tax Return, even if you calculate that you will pay no tax.

If you are struggling with this you can access our tax guidance, and/or call our partners BK Plus who provide free advice and support (see back page for contact details).

You can access the up-to-date tax sheet in the members area of the Shared Lives Plus website, or email membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk who can send you a copy.

Search keywords: 'Tax Factsheet'

If your tax is more complicated, or you would just prefer an accountant to complete all the paperwork and correspondence for you, we have negotiated discounted rates for Shared Lives Plus members with financial experts. BK Plus will charge £160 for this service or B.W. McFarlane Accountant will charge £240.

Are your National Insurance contributions up to date?

When you register as self-employed with HMRC you are also automatically registered for National Insurance. As a self-employed person, you will be required to pay Class 2 NI contributions (£3.45 a week for 2023/24). However, if your profit from Shared Lives is less than £6,725 you will not be required to pay Class 2 contributions.

It would however be advisable to consider whether you should pay Class 2 contributions to HMRC voluntarily as they provide eligibility for particular state benefits and the state pension.

If the profits from your Shared Lives income, together with any other self-employed income, are over £12,570 in 2023-2024 you will also be liable to pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions (9% of profits between £12,570 - £50,227).

You can check whether your National Insurance contributions are up-to-date by visiting:

www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

Mortgages

Sometimes mortgage companies don’t understand that Shared Lives carers are living with an unrelated person who isn’t a tenant. If this is your experience, then get in touch with our membership team who can provide you with paperwork that clarifies why supported people are not classified as tenants.

Shared Lives Plus is also partnered with specialist mortgage advisors from Mortgage Brain who can help guide you through the process, whether you are a first time buyer, moving home, or re-mortgaging, they are there to help. There is no fee for a consultation and it’s just £150 on application for Shared Lives Plus members.

Insurances

Legal Expenses

All Shared Lives Plus members are covered for up to £100,000 for legal expenses. This includes assistance from specialist solicitors in response to and in appeal of de-approval issues.

Public Liability cover

Shared Lives Plus carers with full membership have public liability insurance which protects them from claims arising from personal injury or property damage to a third party as a result of any alleged negligence. This includes any claims about medical malpractice.

Household insurance

For household insurance, our partners Towergate offer tailored insurance plans with a 10% discount on your current insurers’ rates for the first year – providing full cover with no surprises.

Benefits

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a type of welfare benefit designed to uplift household income if it is below a certain level. It is means-tested, which means it is based on an assessment of the circumstances of the person claiming it, sometimes called “the claimant.” It is paid monthly, directly to the claimant, in arrears from the point of a successful claim (usually five weeks after the claim was made). People in Shared Lives can claim Universal Credit.

Anyone can claim Universal Credit, including carers and those who are supported in Shared Lives. However, whether or not a person will actually receive any benefit payments will depend on their circumstances as assessed by the DWP.

Shared Lives carers can claim Universal Credit but are only likely to receive any money if they earn below a certain level. When applying for Universal Credit, Shared Lives carers should declare all aspects of their income, including the care and support payments they receive through their Shared Lives scheme. They should also report the food and utility contributions made by the person they support and their housing contribution. Make absolutely clear that these are separate from the care and support payments received, as they are not considered as income by the DWP, meaning they do not count towards the assessable total.

They can also detail certain “permitted expenses” which will be deducted from their overall earnings – visit our website for more information.

Search keywords: 'Universal Credit'

People supported in Shared Lives, or seeking a Shared Lives match, are likely to be eligible for Universal Credit – especially if their income is below a certain amount.

BK Plus can provide benefits advice and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) is also a good place for more information.

Carer's Allowance

Shared Lives Plus met with the policy leads for Carer's Allowance at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to clarify whether Shared Lives carers in England can claim Carer’s Allowance.

The DWP have confirmed that whilst Shared Lives carers can theoretically claim Carer’s Allowance, it is unlikely that they would be entitled to it. This is because income from being a Shared Lives carer is treated as earnings for Carer’s Allowance purposes. If these earnings amount to more than £139 a week, then they would exceed the current earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance.

Carol Lucas, Drusilla Lloyd and Diane Miller have been elected and confirmed as the new chairs and deputy chair for the Your Voice member forums.

Carol Lucas

Who works for Positive Steps Shropshire will take on the role of forum chair for the Shared Lives scheme members forum.

Drusilla Lloyd

A Shared Lives carer with the scheme in Powys has been elected to the role of forum chair for the Shared Lives carer members forum.

Diane Miller

A carer with West Wales Shared Lives will be supporting her in the role of deputy forum chair.

On taking up the role of chair Drusilla said,

"It is so important that we are listened to as carers working on the front line. Our feedback is crucial and must be listened to even if nothing can be done to address our concerns it’s important that we understand why things have to be the way they are, so we can at least feel heard and seen."

The new chair of each forum will have a place on the Board of Trustees and their role will be to make sure Shared Lives Plus members voices are heard and considered in every decision that is made. The chairs will hold the position for one year and can be re-elected for a maximum of three years.

Learning from Shared Lives endings

Shared Lives arrangements end for a variety of different reasons. Many arrangements end in a peaceful and planned way, such as when a carer reaches retirement. In other cases, such as with our wonderful ambassador Meg, an arrangement ends because the supported person is ready to move on to independent living.

Yet, some Shared Lives endings aren’t planned or pleasant. Here at Shared Lives Plus, we know that arrangements can end suddenly and distressingly. Here, we’ll hear the story of three arrangements that ended in difficult circumstances and try to find some lessons we can learn from them.

Many carers have to make the difficult decision to end an arrangement. Shared Lives carer Jane decided she could no longer support the man she cared for, and her scheme were able to find another suitable placement for the person she supported within her 28 day notice period.

However, it is not always possible for a scheme to find a suitable alternative arrangement within the notice period, and sometimes a Shared Lives carer may be asked to support the person for longer than they had originally anticipated. At Shared Lives Plus, we have been asked many times to help Shared Lives carers and schemes to navigate this awkward period.

Shared Lives carer Margaret found the notice period challenging. Margaret had the difficult task of accompanying her supported person on a visit to new prospective carers. She was worried that the visit sent confusing signals to her supported person, as well as increasing the existing tension between them. She recommended to her scheme that another professional such as a scheme worker or social worker would be better placed to do this in future and suggested that reaching out for support from your scheme can make a huge difference during periods of transition.

Clearly, it is important for Shared Lives schemes to support Shared Lives carers when an arrangement is ending, and it’s also vital for them to work together to plan for endings before they take place. This may mean discussing what the process would be if a carer or supported person chooses to end an arrangement or helping a supported person to plan for the end of their life.

Shared Lives carer Andrea supported John for the last two years of his life. Although John was very unwell, Andrea was not aware that he had any family, or whether there were any plans in place in the event of his death. Andrea was there beside John when he died.

Andrea got through the next few difficult weeks and planned John’s funeral. These tough moments were compounded by the halting of her carer fees, which only added more uncertainty at this difficult time. Shortly before the day itself, she was contacted by a distant relative of John who told her they would be taking care of the arrangements. Sadly, Andrea felt like John’s relative viewed her as ‘just a carer’, and she did not feel welcome to attend John’s funeral service.

Andrea’s experience shows how important it is that Shared Lives schemes are clear in advance with carers about the financial consequences that come with a supported person's death. This would ensure that Shared Lives carers can plan for this and are not subsequently left without income. Please do give our carer helpline a call if this is something you are worrying about: 0151 227 3499

Where a supported person has capacity, Shared Lives schemes and Shared Lives carers should discuss with them their wishes for end-of-life care and death. One Shared Lives carer recently told us of how she and her supported person had been shopping for a funeral package, and that the supported person had chosen a blue trim for a casket to reflect his favourite football team. Together with the knowledge of the scheme, they have discussed his wishes and paid for his funeral, although he hopes to live for many years yet.

Shared Lives Plus has created resources to help carers through these difficult times; an Easy Read document called; ‘When I die’, a guide to ‘End of life care planning’, and a guide outlining ‘What to do when someone dies in a Shared Lives arrangement’. All three are available in the guidance section of the membership area on our website.

It is clear from all these stories that Shared Lives endings can come in various ways. Whilst many do end joyfully, others can be really challenging for carers and the people they support, and whilst you can plan for the loss of someone you support, dealing with this loss can be difficult. It is important that at the beginning of an arrangement that schemes and carers discuss and plan for all possibilities. This can really help making these endings just a little bit easier when they do come.

If you are concerned about what might happen when your placement comes to an end, and would like to speak to someone, please call Shared Lives Plus on 0151 227 3499 – we are here to support you.

work with policy makers

This is why we are having productive conversations with decision makers across the UK. When talking with policy makers we always stress the need for more support to be given to Shared Lives carers, including pay uplifts. They are always impressed by the amazing effect that Shared Lives carers have on people’s lives.

Adult Social Care APPG with Liz Kendall

Meg Lewis, Shared Lives Ambassador, attended the Adult Social Care All Party Parliamentary Group with Liz Kendall MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. Meg represented Shared Lives and the Lived Experience Advisory Group, outlining the key issues impacting Adult Social Care, such as the cost-ofliving crisis. She highlighted the need for people to live fulfilling lives, and how the care they draw on should reflect this, emphasising how Shared Lives carers make this possible for so many people across the UK.

Here are some of the conversations we’ve had recently: More conversations on the next page

At Shared Lives Plus it is our role to advocate for Shared Lives carers and promote the growth of Shared Lives throughout the UK.

Meg Lewis, Shared Lives Ambassador

Meeting with Welsh Government

We met with Albert Heaney, Chief Social Care Officer in Wales. He is a great advocate of Shared Lives, and we talked about how we could work together with the Welsh Government to grow Shared Lives.

Shared Lives has had massive success in Wales and is home to some of the most innovative care practices in the UK. The World Health Organisation recently showcased the South East Wales Shared Lives Mental Health Crisis Project as a great example of person-centred care.

Meeting with Julienne Meyer

Our CEO, Ewan King, had a positive meeting with Professor Julienne Meyer the new Chair of the Older People’s Taskforce. The taskforce will work across housing, health, and care sectors to ensure more housing options are available to older people. We told Julienne about Shared Lives and she was really interested in what we are doing and was keen to include our model of support within the scope of the taskforce's work.

Building relationships with fostering

Ewan and Deputy Chief Executive, Jayne Wilson, met with Kate Lawson, Director of External Affairs at the Fostering Network, where they discussed the many similarities that there are between the worlds of fostering and Shared Lives. While there is sometimes competition between fostering organisations and Shared Lives schemes, particularly around carer recruitment, she was keen to develop stronger links with Shared Lives Plus.

Mentions from political voices

DHSC

Shared Lives was hailed as “innovation” in the Government’s next steps to put People at the Heart of Care. Shared Lives was the only model of care recognised in the announcement as an example of innovation:

“Shared Lives schemes have been scaled up across the country to offer greater flexibility and more community-based care. Embedding innovative approaches to delivering care can ensure that care is more personalised, supports individuals to live more independently for longer, and can adjust to the needs of future populations.”

This comes following our continued work and discussions with the DHSC.

Fabian society

The Fabian society is a political think tank, and in their report setting out plans for a National Care Service they argue the need for ‘innovations such as Shared Lives’ to be offered by any future National Care Service.

We will continue having these discussions in the future and championing the voices of Shared Lives carers. However, we still need to be able to make a compelling, evidence-based case on behalf of Shared Lives carers. The results from our Invaluable Campaign will only strengthen the arguments we are already making.

We hope to ensure that those in government will fully recognise and reward the fantastic work you do helping people live fulfilling lives.

Carer champions

Steve Collis, Shared Lives carer champion

Hello fellow carer members,

Finally, summer is here! It has been a tough old time out there for all us carers, with the ever-increasing cost of living crisis squeezing what was already a tight situation. So many carers have not had uplifts in their pay for many years, and a great deal of calls to me and the membership team have been around this one issue.

It’s worth mentioning the cost of living payments made to the people we support, as I know many carers are concerned by this. Shared Lives Plus shared some guidance at the beginning of the year stating there should be a discussion between the scheme and the person they support about whether they wish to contribute any of this money towards household gas and electricity bills. These discussions would need to be done on a case-by-case basis so that the capacity of the supported person is taken into consideration. Without this process, we would be open to allegations of financial abuse. I know of several schemes that have been able to guide their supported people and carers to a mutual arrangement.

The other big issue we are facing this summer is the struggle to find respite carers so that we can have a long-deserved break. All I can suggest is, if possible, give your scheme as much notice of a break as possible. There is a national shortage of respite carers, something which concerns us greatly, and is an issue that must be tackled by policy makers.

A massive thank you to all of you who kindly filled out our Invaluable Campaign questionnaire, this has been a major piece of work, and we have recently shared the information we have collected. This information has already helped schemes approach their commissioning teams/council to negotiate pay uplifts for their carers.

Search keywords: 'Invaluable Campaign'

At the end of June, I was pleased to attend the first Wirral Independent Carer Group meeting. There was a good attendance of ten carers who all had valuable input on how they hope to work with the new scheme on the Wirral. The group have lots of questions to ask and are keen to help shape things going forward, the contributions of carers are massively important! I look forward to meeting with them again in a month.

I am also in the process of restarting a lapsed group in PSS North Wales which was once a very dynamic group of carers, and I can’t wait to meet them again. Please contact me (steve@sharedlivesplus.org.uk) or the membership team (membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk) if you would like us to help set up your own independent group.

Finally, some sad news from us, Helen Piscioneri my fellow Carer Champion has left Shared Lives Plus. She has decided to move on and pursue her expanding "Mamas Chilli Delights" which is doing well. She will remain a valuable source of information and guidance to me going forward. Her deep understanding of carer issues and the struggle we face is fundamental to her core. She will be massively missed by myself and the team.

I wish her every success in the future.

Next time I write to you we will be in the Autumn, and I hope by then the cost of living pressure will have eased for us all. Lastly remember to look after yourselves and give yourself a daily wellbeing hour if you can. I have my garden to retreat to and it helps give me the space to decompress, I have shared some pictures of the garden which I am enormously proud of.

Always feel free to call me on the helpline (0151 227 3499) for any support you need,

Thanks,

Steve

Useful phone numbers

Membership enquiries:

Shared Lives Plus Office 0151 227 3499 membership@ sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Shared Lives Plus carer helpline:  0151 227 3499

A message will be taken and one of the carer support team will call you back

Mortgage advice:

Mortgage Brain: Katie/Marcus 0800 987 1700

UK tax return service:

NB There is a charge for this service

BK Plus: Pat Lewis 0121 828 6058 currently £160 inc. VAT.

BWM Accountants: Sue Stephens 0151 236 1494 currently £240 inc. VAT

Legal advice:  General telephone legal advice on any legal matter, including de-approval

Stephensons Solicitors 0333 3444881

For legal expenses enquiries 0333 3444881

To make a claim on your legal expenses cover: ARAG 0117 917 1698

Insurance:

Towergate main line 0113 236 8603

Public liability queries: Mark Taylor 07816 241 446

For Household/Travel/ Motor Insurance:

Christine Howard 0113 236 8603

Christine.Howard@ towergate.co.uk

www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk

info@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Shared Lives Plus

Eleanor Rathbone House

Connect Business Village 24 Derby Road Liverpool

L5 9PR 0151 227 3499