Sharing Magazine Vol 42

New Scheme

Festive Fun

A look back on 2023

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Age NI launches new Shared Lives scheme

Christmas activities to do with those you support

Ewan’s end of year reflection

Sharing Magazine for the shared living network

Vol 42 Dec 2023

In August, Shared Lives Plus, Shared Lives scheme workers and Shared Lives carers were invited to a reception for adult social care workers at 10 Downing Street.

o m c l e e !

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Hello and goodbye

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Age NI launches new Shared Lives scheme

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Remembering Sue Newton

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The state of the UK Shared Lives sector 2022-2023

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Making the most of your Shared Lives Plus membership

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Fun and festive Christmas activities to enjoy with those you support

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Winter Fuel Payments and other support with energy bills this winter

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Andrew’s Shared Lives success

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Champions corner

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Looking back on 2023

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Welcome

Hello and goodbye Welcome to this year’s winter edition of Sharing magazine. Sharing provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and tell some of the stories that have come from it.

The cost-of-living crisis, alongside the continued pressure on carer fees and respite, mean this year has been incredibly difficult for Shared Lives carers.

Our 11 Invaluable reports provide the clearest ever comparable information on carer fees, and we continue to work with schemes to push local authorities for fee uplifts for Shared Lives carers.

In this edition there will be some financial guidance that could potentially help you with energy costs.

We’ll be paying tribute to Sue Newton, the founder of Shared Lives Plus, who sadly passed away this year. This edition will also include some updates on what we’ve been working on, as well as some feel good Shared Lives stories.

I’m sad to announce that I left Shared Lives Plus in November. It’s only been three years since I joined Shared Lives Plus, but it has been such an eventful three years. It felt appropriate that my moving on co-incided with the inclusion of shared living in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Accelerating Reform Fund, after I have been

involved in so many conversations and proposals to highlight to government the incredible value of the work surrounding shared living, but the need for investment in the sector. I hope we can now get the investment needed to ensure more people can benefit from both Shared Lives and Homeshare.

It will be incredibly hard leaving such an amazing group of colleagues as well as amazing ambassadors, but as ever whenever I move to a new role, I will take away lessons and experiences but also friends and fond memories. I feel like I am returning home with my new role – as CEO of The Hive youth zone on the Wirral; a role I can remember saying ‘that’s the role for me’ over seven years ago when it was just an idea but now works with over 3,000 young people each year. However, I will continue to advocate for shared living and hope that in years to come the numbers will grow so that everyone who wants to share their lives in this way can do so.

Thank you for all the amazing work you do as carers, helping those you support live more fulfilling lives.

Take care, Jayne 3

Sharing magazine - December 2023

Age NI launches new Shared Lives scheme Age NI have launched a new scheme across Northern Ireland, extending Shared Lives care to older people across the nation. The service will provide day support to people aged 65 and over who may be lonely, isolated or need extra help. The launch is indicative of the hunger to grow Shared Lives in Northern Ireland.

Age NI hosted a launch event for the new scheme on the 13th of September. Ewan King, Shared Lives Plus CEO, was in attendance alongside Shared Lives carers, members of the Department of Health, and those from Age NI. “It was a massive honour to be asked to contribute to the launch of the new Shared Lives scheme for older people in Northern Ireland, to be delivered

by Age NI. The new service offers older people a safe, welcoming, family environment, supported by carefully chosen host carers,” says Ewan.

“The service has got off to a flying start, with five Shared Lives carers already recruited and approved. I’m looking forward to when the service starts supporting older people later this year.”

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New Shared Lives scheme

Age NI is well established in its support of older people and provision of care services, as well as projects that promote the health and wellbeing of older people and their carers. Those at Age NI are excited to further this work with the launch of this new scheme.

Linda Robinson, Age NI Chief Executive, said, “As a model of care, Shared Lives offers older people more choice in how support is provided. It provides real opportunities to develop friendships and community connections, reducing loneliness and isolation.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Department of Health and local Health and Social Care Trusts to deliver this new, regional Shared Lives service for older people.”

The service is funded by the Department of Health for three years, with the possibility of it being extended for a further two years. During this time, it is hoped that the service will grow and develop to include short breaks and live-in care.

“It is rare that very personalised services can be both excellent in quality and highly competitive financially,” says Ruth Donaldson, Social Care Lead Older People and Adults Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).

Brendan Whittle, Director of Community Care at the Department of Health, added, “This is an exciting opportunity to provide early intervention and

support to older people, in order to ensure they stay as independent for as long as possible and remain well connected to their communities, which in turn will help to take the pressure off our health and social care system.”

The latest state of nation report in Northern Ireland shows that growth of Shared Lives in the nation has been slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, though the small growth the sector has seen is indicative of the hunger there is for Shared Lives to be expanded across Northern Ireland.

You can find out more about the new Age NI scheme here.

We have produced a video about Shared Lives in Northern Ireland which is now available on our YouTube channel - Shared Lives Plus TV. Stephanie, a Shared Lives carer in Belfast, said, “Being a Shared Lives carer is a very special thing in not only my life but my husband’s life as well.

We’ve cared for Ann and a few other people who’ve really given more to us than we’ve ever given to them, and we just love having them in our lives.”

Ann, who receives support from Stephanie, said, “She’s (Stephanie) a very kind woman.”

Stuart and his wife Joanna provide short breaks to Corey from their home in Bangor. Stuart says, “I couldn’t imagine our lives now not being a carer, and not having my friend for company.”

Corey added, “He (Stuart) is my best friend.”

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

Remembering Sue Newton Earlier this year, all of us at Shared Lives Plus were saddened to hear the news that Sue Newton, our President and the founder of Shared Lives, had passed away. We are very grateful to Sue, her legacy, and her dedication to Shared Lives.

Sue truly is the reason that Shared Lives exists today, having founded and developed Shared Lives whilst working at PSS in the late 1970s. In 1992 she set up Shared Lives Plus (known back then as the National Association of Adult Placement Services or NAAPS UK) by gathering all the Adult Placement schemes across the UK together.

Richard Jones, our Chair of Trustees said, “Any major change or social movement (which Shared Lives Plus is) needs passionate, committed, and brave leaders who are prepared to speak up and act. Sue Newton was one of those leaders who knew change was needed and was prepared to lead from the front, we owe her a huge debt of gratitude.”

In 2020, Sue said, “When I recruited my first Shared Lives carer in the late 1970s, I knew I had struck gold. I saw at first hand the acceptance and inclusion of a stranger into the household. The different ways people were made to feel at home and be part of the family set-up and the skills of the carer to enable this to happen. It is on this gift relationship that Shared Lives blossoms. I would like to thank all Shared Lives carers for all that they do, it is beyond price. You have my admiration and my gratitude.”

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Alex Fox, our previous CEO said, “Sue pioneered the concept of Shared Lives at a time when there was very little like it in the UK. She had the vision to imagine a more compassionate and social way to offer people support, to make it happen, and then she was a key figure in the sector evolving nationally. Her work made a huge impact on the lives of thousands of people, and she remained a source of support and wisdom for Shared Lives Plus for many years after she retired. She will be much missed.”

Remembering Sue Newton

Sian Lockwood was elected chair of NAAPS UK now Shared Lives Plus) in 2002. In 2010, with Sian’s leadership we became Shared Lives Plus.

Sian worked very closely with Sue and said, “I was so saddened to hear the news of Sue’s passing. She was the font of all knowledge about the history and practice of Shared Lives and a mentor, guide and friend to me over many years.

She will be much missed.”

Last year, in volume 37 of Sharing Magazine, Sue shared the story of how Shared Lives Plus, then known as NAAPS, was founded: “As things began to grow, I realised we needed to bring together what was happening in different parts of the country, we didn’t even have a name for what we were all doing at the time. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) set up a special interest group for people doing what we were doing, and we settled on calling it Adult Placement. Before long I was doing research into how to start a charity and applying to the DHSS for funding to get us started. On June 30th, 1992, the National Association of Adult Placement Schemes (NAAPS) was born. You need organisations like BASW and government to see ideas and bring people together. We couldn’t have done it without their backing which really helped us to grow.

“We started with 14 schemes dotted across the country, 40 adult placement social workers, and around 3,000 carers. We created our own best practice, working out how to do things, how to handle things like income tax.

Then the government stepped in, and everyone was quite excited. Initially they didn’t know how to regulate us; were we social care? Housing? They weren’t sure.

What they did know was that whatever we were, it was working. They saw people who had previously been in institutions and long stay communities living happily in family homes.”

Sue retired from PSS in 2003 and was made president of Shared Lives Plus. At Shared Lives Plus we’ll be forever grateful for Sue’s work, which has touched thousands of people, helping them to live more fulfilling lives.

Sue was a remarkable woman who we will miss very much. We extend our condolences to Sue’s family.

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

The state of the UK Shared Lives sector 2022-2023 Each year, we ask Shared Lives schemes to provide us with information about Shared Lives in their area so we can get a better idea of what our sector looks like across the UK. Until this year, we asked schemes in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for this information separately, and then created individual reports for each nation. This year, we have created a report which brings together and compares information from all four nations. This process has been challenging but rewarding, and we now know more about Shared Lives across the UK than we ever have before.

It is safe to say that it has been a tough couple of years for Shared Lives and the wider social care sector. The whole system is under pressure because of years of underfunding and an increased demand for social care support. We also know the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have both had a negative impact on the sector.

This year’s state of the sector report shows that Shared Lives remains resilient in the face of these challenges; Shared Lives carers continue to offer the best quality care and ensure the best outcomes for the people they support.

In October 2023, CQC rated 97% of Shared Lives schemes in England (where 83% of all people supported are based) as good or outstanding.

In Scotland, 76% of schemes achieved a grade of 5 or 6 (Excellent/Very Good), and no scheme dropped below a 4 (Good) in the most recent inspections.

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State of the sector In regard to the number of people in Shared Lives, there has been a slight drop in the total from last year, reducing from 10,306 to 9,974 (-3%).

Shared Lives schemes have told us that increasingly complex referrals and a high turnover of social workers are the main reasons for this.

Schemes who’ve managed to increase the number of people they support told us they thought strong relationships with social workers and referral teams were key to this.

More positively, the total number of Shared Lives carers in the UK has increased by 614 (+7%) from 9,226 to 9,840. Most Shared Lives carers continue to provide live-in support, with a smaller number offering day support and short breaks.

This years’ report also shows that the majority of those supported in Shared Lives have a learning disability (73%). The other main groups, as defined by their support needs, are autistic people (8%), people with mental health needs (6%), those with physical impairments (3%), people with support needs associated with older age (2%), and those with dementia (2%).

Working adults aged 25-64 continue to be the single largest demographic of supported people, with 66% falling within this age bracket. We also know that 235 people (2%) transitioned to Shared Lives from foster care this year.

We have also been working hard behind the scenes to make sure Shared Lives is a priority in the government’s plans to scale up social care. This has resulted in Shared Lives being placed in the DHSC’s list of twelve innovative adult social care priorities.

This means Shared Lives will be the very first option for local authorities to consider before applying for innovation funding from the government, which has the potential to turn Shared Lives services into a mainstream model of care. This will have huge benefits beyond the growth of the sector.

Age of people supported

59 1%

1,463 20%

16 - 17 18 - 24 7144

925 13%

65+ 4,697 66%

Support needs of people supported

It is good news that Shared Lives has remained stable, despite the pressures that face the social care sector. This is owed in no small part to the hard work, dedication, and passion of Shared Lives carers, who every day make a massive difference to people’s lives.

2% 6%

Shared Lives carers should receive fees that reflect the invaluable work they put in. Our eleven Invaluable reports provide the clearest ever comparable information on carer fees.

We continue to work with schemes to push local authorities for fee uplifts for Shared Lives carers.

2% 2% 6% 8%

This year’s report once again reminds us of how small Shared Lives is in the context of social care.

Shared Lives carers make up just 1% of the social care workforce in England, 0.5% in Scotland, and 1% in Wales. At Shared Lives Plus we know that so many more people across the UK could benefit from being supported by a Shared Lives carer.

We will continue to push for more investment into this fantastic model of care. Shared Lives should be a choice for everyone – we might all benefit from it at some point in our life.

25 - 64

73%

Learning disability ASD Mental Health Physical impairement Dementia Older age Other

Sharing magazine - December 2023

Making the most of your Shared Lives Plus membership “Your support was invaluable when I was going through a hard time and buying a new house. You helped me to keep working – I can’t thank you enough.”

Public liability ins – included in full

Our public liability ins carers from claims aris property damage to a t negligence on your par

The insurance is tailor Shared Lives care. Our produced a policy whic cover, built on years of Shared Lives carers. Th sued by a supported pe for physical, mental, or

It’s an essential part of council say they provid make sure it covers Sh £40 to upgrade from ba

Sarah, Shared Lives carer, Devon

Emergency support and legal expenses cover for de-approval situations If you are facing de-approval proceedings from your Shared Lives scheme you can gain advice from specialist solicitors Stephensons 0333 344 4881 An advisor will return your call within 24 hours if they aren’t available to speak immediately.

Your legal expenses cover up to £100,000 in legal costs. You can find the full policy details on our website.

If you are in the difficult situation where you need to respond to or appeal de-approval from being a Shared Lives carer, our members guide ‘How to make the most of your legal expenses and advice cover’ has more details on the support provided.

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Tax returns and advice

Our partners BKPlus have specialised in self-employed carer finances for over ele years. In that time, they have built up a w of knowledge and experience in advising carer tax, national insurance and benefit

BKPlus are also offering Shared Lives Plu and any self-employed member of their f a fixed, discounted rate of £160inc VAT w sign up for their tax return service. See t page for contact details.

Membership

surance membership

surance protects Shared Lives sing from personal injury or third party through alleged rt.

red to the unique nature of r partners Towergate have ch provides broad, effective f experience working with he policy also covers being erson for abuse and cover r financial losses.

f your role and even if your de it, please double check to hared Lives. If not, it’s around asic membership.

General legal advice (including tax advice) You can seek legal advice through our legal helpline. This service is provided by LawExpress.

You will need your membership number to access their service, please call 0330 303 1876.

Wider Wallet Wider Wallet is a website with lots of offers for everyday savings as well as discounts on special occasions!

To register and find the access code, log in to your membership account on our website and look for ‘discounts and freebies’.

n even wealth g on ts

us carers, families, when they the back

Mortgages made easy Many mortgage lenders don’t understand your income as a Shared Lives carer. Our mortgage advisors from Mortgage Brain understand Shared Lives and are here to help, 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.

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

House and contents insurance Our partners Towergate offer tailored household insurance which recognises the person who lives with you as a member of your family instead of a tenant! This means you are covered for accidental damages just as you would be for a relative.

You can get a 10% discount on your current insurers’ rates for the first year – you’ll be fully covered, with no added surprises.

Blue Light Card Blue Light Card is the discount service for those in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces. It provides our members with thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street.

For just £4.99, members of the Blue Light community can register for 2-years access to more than 15,000 discounts.

Shared Lives Plus members can fill in the Blue Light Card eligibility request form on our website. Alternatively, get in touch with our team and you will be provided with a ‘proof of eligibility’ letter, which you can use to apply for the discount card. Email: membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

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Membership

A powerful voice – campaigning for you Our campaigns focus on responding to legal changes in every part of the UK, promoting the value of Shared Lives carers across social care services, and ensuring that as many people as possible have Shared Lives as an option.

Our Invaluable campaign seeks to ensure Shared Lives carers are paid fairly for their essential work. It’s already helping local schemes make the case for fee uplifts for carers, with some already having success.

We are working with government colleagues on changes to how universal credit is rolled out, including the restriction of housing costs and income. We will continue to promote the rights of Shared Lives carers and the people you support.

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

Fun and festive Christmas activities to enjoy with those you support Christmas is a magical time. There’s no better way to make it special than by creating memories, and Christmas activities are the perfect way to bond and spend time with those you care for. Here are ten Christmas activities to do with those you support! Pick and choose whichever activities suit.

DIY ornaments

Making your own decorations can somet like a bit of a chore, but the end result rea it worth it. Some easy and classic decora to make are paper snowflakes and ice lol decorations. These can add a personal to your tree.

Decorate the Christmas tree Start with a classic tradition and decorate your Christmas tree, it’s a great way to start building excitement towards Christmas day. However early or late you decide to do this is up to you – a contentious topic we know.

Advent calendar

Make each December morning an excitin by getting those you support an advent c

Christmas baking

For many, the best part of Christmas is th Let those you support help in the kitchen making and decorating any sweet treats brownies, cookies, flapjacks, they’re all de

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times feel ally makes ations lly stick ouch to

ng one calendar.

he food. n by you choose: elicious.

Christmas

Write a letter to father Christmas This activity not only allows those you support to express what they’d love for Christmas, but also helps them develop their writing skills.

Watch Christmas films Get comfy on the sofa and watch your favourite Christmas films, whether that’s Die Hard or Love Actually.

Visit a local light display Many town centres and parks have amazing lights and decorations. Nothing quite gets you in the Christmas spirit like those bright white lights!

Christmas storytime Encourage those you support to engage their imagination and read some Christmas stories.

This can of course be tailored to whatever level their reading might be at.

Create a Christmas collage Throughout December take photos of those you support, and after the 25th you can make a Christmas scrapbook together.

Gifts!

For many, giving presents is far more enjoyable than receiving them. Help those you support select or create gifts for their family and friends.

From Shared Lives Plus we wish you all a very merry Christmas!

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

Winter Fuel Payments and other support with energy bills this winter

Q: What are Winter Fuel Payments?

A: Winter Fuel Payments were introduced by the government in order to help ensure that people born before 26/9/1957 could afford to keep warm over the winter.

Q: How do I know whether I am eligible for Winter Fuel Payments?

A: Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter before the end of November saying how much you’ll get.

If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Q: How much is the payment, and does it have to be spent on fuel costs?

A: You could get between £250 and £600. There is no requirement to spend it on fuel or heating.

Q: How are Winter Fuel Payments calculated?

A: Winter Fuel Payments are calculated on a household basis and are dependent on the circumstances of the people living there. Payments are made automatically, and in situations where both the Shared Lives carer and the supported person living in Shared Lives are both eligible, they will usually receive the rate set for living with someone else who also qualifies.

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Q: Can a Shared Lives carer and/or the person they are living with appeal a Winter Fuel Payment?

A: It may be possible for a Shared Lives carer or the person living in a Shared Lives arrangement to challenge the decision to split the Winter Fuel Payment between them. Reg 2(1)(ii)(aa), Reg 2 (2) and Reg 2 (3) of the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations exclude people from getting the full Winter Fuel payment only if they “share accommodation as their mutual home.” Whilst the ethos of Shared Lives is to share family life within the same household, Shared Lives carers and those for whom they care are not regarded as sharing accommodation for the purposes of Housing Benefit. This suggests that a similar interpretation could be applied to Winter Fuel Payments.

If making an appeal, you could quote the above regulations. Information on how to appeal a decision regarding a Winter Fuel Payment is available here.

Q: Can Shared Lives carers make private Winter Fuel Arrangements with the person they support?

A: We would always advise against Shared Lives carers making private financial arrangements with the people they support about the use of a Winter Fuel Payment, as this could leave them open to an accusation of financial abuse.

Energy bills

Q: Are there other weather-related benefits to consider applying for?

Group 1. If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

A: Yes, in addition to the Winter Fuel payment, there is a Warm Home Discount and a Cold Weather Payment for those on income related benefits.

To qualify: You or your partner’s or spouse’s name must be on the bill.

Q: What is the difference between Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment?

You or your partner or spouse are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.

A: The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount administered by your energy supplier (providing your energy supplier participates in the scheme).

It isn’t a cash payment but comes as a reduction in your bill. You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount scheme. The scheme does not affect your entitlement to either the Winter Fuel Payment.

You are with an energy supplier that offers the Warm Home Discount.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria?

And be on a low income, get certain means-tested benefits and are in or at risk of fuel poverty. Countries in the UK measure Fuel Poverty differently:

A: There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.

Group 2. If you’re on a low income, and getting certain means-tested benefits To qualify: You’ll need to be with an energy supplier that offers the Warm Home Discount.

You might be able to get a Warm Home discount if you fall into the following groups:

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

In England, you’re assessed on whether you have a low income and high household costs.

In Scotland and Wales, you’re assessed as being in fuel poverty if you spend more than 10% of your household income on energy costs.

In Northern Ireland, the Warm Home Discount isn’t available but there are other energy and grant schemes, such as The Warm Home Discount, that may help with energy money saving.

Q: How do I find out if I am eligible for a Warm Home Discount?

A: You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

If you might be eligible, you’ll get a letter by early January 2024.

If you do not get a letter and you think you’re eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.

Q: What is Cold Weather Payment?

A: The Cold Weather Payment is a DWP scheme that runs from November 1st to March 31st each year. A payment of £25 is sent to eligible people for every seven-day period in which the temperature is below zero.

The payment is provided in order to help people keep warm during these periods whether that is with extra heating, warm clothing or similar essentials Help from energy suppliers Priority Services Register The Priority Services Register is a free support service ensuring that extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations.

All energy providers have a list called a “Priority Services Register” which provides extra protections and adaptions for those caring for others. You or a member of your household could be eligible if you: are disabled or have a long-term health condition are recovering from an injury have a sight or hearing condition are pregnant or have young children have mental health problems don’t speak or read English well have children under 5 or are pregnant have reached your State Pension age

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Energy bills have poor or no sense of smell would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency need to use equipment which requires a power supply The list of potential extra services is quite long and varies by energy supplier, but may include advance notice of power cuts, meter reading and priority support during emergencies.

If you think that you or your household might benefit from the Priority Services Register, start by contacting your supplier.

If you are struggling with your bills If at any time you find it difficult to keep up with energy bills, your supplier has a duty to help. You can ask your energy supplier for: a review of your payments or debt repayments payment breaks or reductions more time to pay your bill access to hardship funds Priority Service registration.

Get in touch with them early to make a plan together.

Is it worth changing energy supplier?

The easiest way to save money on energy historically has been to switch energy regularly to ensure you’re on a good deal.

To check if this is the best course of action for you, there are many energy supplier comparison sites such as USwitch who can help you decide.

We also recommend that Shared Lives arrangement agreements do not have any clauses in, where people who are using Shared Lives are asked to pass on Winter Fuel Payments. This is because there is no requirement for the person to spend the Winter Fuel Payment on fuel, the payment is provided in order to help people keep warm during these periods whether that is with extra heating, warm clothing or similar essentials and they can spend it how they wish.

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

Andrew’s Shared Lives success With the help of Debbie, his now former Prior to joining Shared Lives in 2018, Andrew had been living in residential accommodation alongside Shared Lives carer, Andrew attended others with impairments. Before living in residential care, Andrew had lived for six years in various university in Huddersfield where he supported living settings with people that had studied Adult Nursing. Following his a condition or impairment. graduation, Andrew is now a fully Whilst in residential care Andrew struggled to get qualified nurse and has obtained a into a healthy routine and was easily led astray role within the cardiology team at by negative influences such as drinking. He was referred to Shared Lives by professionals who felt Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. he was wrongly placed. Not long after, he Those at the Wakefield Shared Lives was introduced to Shared Lives carer Debbie. scheme couldn’t be prouder of Andrew.

“I still felt quite vulnerable and alone, and I felt like having that extra person around would be more beneficial,” says Andrew.

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In Shared Lives, the matching process is vital.

Both carers and those they support should feel totally comfortable before starting an arrangement.

At first, Andrew and Debbie went for a meal where the pair got to know each other and expressed their priorities and values in life. Following another couple of outings Debbie offered Andrew to come

Andrew’s Shared Lives success round and eat with her family. Andrew found them all extremely welcoming and soon after the match was made.

Andrew says that Debbie’s support has been constant over the years, “She’s never doubted me.

She’s still by me, she’s never put doubts or anything on me.”

It has been a long journey to get where he is now, and a lot of hard work! Andrew spent two years at college completing an access to higher education course, following which he was accepted to university where he studied to become a qualified nurse. During this time Andrew worked as a volunteer at Pinderfields Hospital where he cleaned and supported patients. Debbie has grandkids going through college so was aware of how difficult and stressful education can be and was supportive throughout the whole process.

“She always put my values and best interests first, so it’s never been about what’s best for her or what’s best for Shared Lives.”

Andrew graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree with Honours in Adult Nursing. Those at the Shared Lives scheme in Wakefield were absolutely delighted for Andrew, and in a joint message said, “Well done Andrew. The Shared Lives team and carers are very proud of your achievements.”

The degree allowed Andrew to start in his nursing role at Pinderfields Hospital, where he says he is settling in well, “It’s been a really good experience to get out there and do my job. There’s still so much to learn but it’s getting a lot easier.”

Despite starting his new career, Andrew feels his time in academia is far from over and has applied to study another course at university.

These studies would further qualify Andrew in the field of Cardiology - qualifying him to read an ECG programme.

These weekly football sessions were unfortunately halted because of COVID. Andrew is now looking towards the future and hopes to soon be living in his own house, Debbie has taken Andrew to view different properties.

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to have something to call my home and be proud of it, because I’ve worked hard to get there. It’s a big step.”

Congratulations to Andrew on his graduation and new job, but most importantly, his dedication towards self-improvement.

“I still feel like I want to continue studying and be the best that I can be in terms of learning and gaining knowledge.”

However, Andrew’s time with Debbie hasn’t been all about his studies. He has become a part of a family – even going on holiday to Florida with Debbie and her family. Andrew is also a massive football fan! He goes to watch Burnley play at Turf Moor whenever possible and has made a lot of friends playing football over the years.

“I did play with a lot of friends for a long time.

I worked with the mental health intervention team, and we got out into the community each week and played football for an hour.”

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Sharing magazine - December 2023

Champions corner More positively, we’ve heard from many carers who’ve had modest uplifts in their care fees, in We are at the end of the year which is always a good part due to our Invaluable campaign. Shared Lives schemes across the UK have been able to present time to take stock and reflect. For lots of us there have been plenty of challenges over the past twelve data gathered during the Invaluable campaign to months, and it can feel like a struggle to get even the local commissioners, showing how their regional care fees compare to the rest of the UK. This has smallest of things achieved. resulted in a levelling up approach to care fees My colleague Bex and I speak with carers every day. amongst local authorities.

Sometimes the stories we hear are upsetting, though they are often uplifting, due to the determination of Here in the membership team, we are extremely busy with carer cases, ranging from de-approval and carers to give the people they support the best life panel to tax enquiries and respite. Some of the cases possible. highlight the exceedingly difficult conditions us carers can find ourselves in. As your carer champion, We know that carers feel stuck in the middle and someone with lived experience, I understand between the needs of commissioners, local and fully appreciate the sacrifice you all make each authorities, and supported people. This has been day. I will remain an advocating voice within sharply brought into focus by the cost-of-living crisis. It can be hard enough for us carers to Shared Lives Plus; always supporting the voice of carers who face challenges. understand the tensions at play behind the scenes – made ever more tense by shrinking budgets - let alone explain it to the people we support. It can be I wish you all a restful and peaceful festive season and hope that Santa brings you all you wish for. challenging to explain to those we care for why See you all in 2024! they can’t go to a favourite activity or eat out as often as we used to. As carers we can feel like it’s us who are blamed for saying no to those we support.

Dear fellow carers,

Steve

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Reflecting on 2023

Looking back on 2023 Hello everyone!

At Shared Lives Plus we’ve had a year full of ups and downs – much like the wider social care sector – but our sole focus remains supporting you, our members, to continue providing the fantastic support you do.

Everyone is feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis which continues to put pressure on respite and fees for carers. Our Invaluable campaign is helping local schemes make the case for fee uplifts for their carers, with some already having success.

I have personally spoken to Directors of Adult Social Services in over 40 local authorities over the last eight months, where I have raised the issue of carer fees and access to breaks. I hope the message is beginning to land that carers need good fees.

For me, there have been some highlights this year that reaffirm my belief there are exciting times ahead for all those involved in Shared Lives.

Shared Lives Plus were invited to attend a reception for social care workers at 10 Downing Street. The event was hosted by Helen Whately, Minister for Care. Thanks to our Carer Champion Steve, I’m pretty sure everyone in attendance now knows all about the wonders of Shared Lives.

care needs of people with learning disabilities?’ can be viewed on the Channel 4 News YouTube channel.

National coverage like this is vital for spreading the word about Shared Lives and is something we can facilitate at Shared Lives Plus.

In October, the Government launched the Accelerating Reform Fund, which set out their priorities for funding the growth of innovation.

We were delighted that shared living (which includes Shared Lives and Homeshare) was listed as one of twelve innovative adult social care priorities set out by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). In the DHSC announcement about the fund, Shared Lives was one of only a few examples given.

Shared Lives Plus took part in the first DHSC funded webinar - on the subject of the Accelerating Reform Fund - hosted by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

All this shows there is an appetite for the growth of innovative approaches to social care, such as Shared Lives. For me, 2023 has been a year of hope.

Thank you for all the work you do helping people live more fulfilling lives.

Ewan

A Shared Lives household featured on Channel 4 News! The video titled ‘How can we meet changing 23

Useful phone numbers Membership enquiries:

Legal advice:

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

General telephone legal advice on any legal matter,

Shared Lives Plus carer helpline: 0151 227 3499

LawExpress 0330 303 1876 For advice on de-approval:

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

Stephensons Solicitors 0333 344 4881

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

Public liability queries: Check you are covered 0151 227 3499 Public liability claims: Mark Taylor 07816 241 446 or 0113 426 4847 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

Registered Charity number (England and Wales): 1095562 Registered Charity number (Scotland): SC042743 Company number: 4511426