Pioneering care scheme recruiting families across North Yorkshire

Families in North Yorkshire are being invited to become part of a service that provides home-based support to adults and young people across the county.

Shared Lives entails an adult or young person in need spending time in a family home and sharing family life. The scheme is completely flexible. In many cases, people spend a day, or a few days with their host family on a long-term or short-term basis.

Avalon Group manages the Shared Lives scheme in North Yorkshire on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council. Shared Lives carers receive a monthly income and full training is provided, along with ongoing support.

Sarah Wood joined the service after seeing the difference it made to her son, Adam. She said: “I’d never heard of Shared Lives, until my son, who has additional needs, was offered support with a local Shared Lives family.

“The support he got was personalised, fulfilling and made him so happy, and the family got to know us, so it was this lovely arrangement for all of us; he was getting all the things he wants and needs out of his daily life, and we had the trust in his carers who became like family friends.

“I decided at that point that I wanted to become a Shared Lives carer too, to support other local families and to make a huge positive impact on the lives of local people who need extra support.”

Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services, commented: “We are looking for more dedicated individuals like Sarah, who can give people the best care option for them. Shared Lives is all about relationships, helping someone to develop or maintain their confidence, make new friends or learn new skills in a family environment.”

Avalon Group CEO Larry Hollando added: “Shared Lives is a shining example of how we can bring communities across North Yorkshire together. Seeing families supporting those who need additional help, and doing so in a way that promotes sharing and inclusion is a great example of how we can move social care forward.”