Residents of Westmorland and Furness are being encouraged to consider becoming “Shared Lives” carers after the council significantly increased their weekly allowance.
Shared Lives carers are part of a caring service that supports adults with a variety of needs to live in their communities.The support given is flexible, regular, personalised and offers the opportunity to give something back to the community.
A significant increase has been made to carer’s allowances, with the potential to now earn up to £730 a week for respite, up from £480 per week.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Shared Lives is a fantastic service that allows carers a rewarding opportunity which is flexible enough to accommodate their own family and lifestyle.
“With recent increases to the allowance, we hope to encourage more people to consider helping adults with additional needs to flourish and live more independently in their community.”
Carers are matched with adults who have the same hobbies and interests to get the best experience for all involved. There are different types of care that can be offered including having an adult live with you, spend the week or weekend with you, or meeting up with them once or twice a week.
The council are seeking caring, passionate people, with the time and space to offer this special type of care.
Shared Lives carers must be over 18 years of age but don’t need specific qualifications, just the right values, commitment, and space to accommodate someone at home.
Successful applicants will also receive full training as well as ongoing support from the Shared Lives Team. Those interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer can visit, the Westmorland and Furness Council jobs page and search for 'Shared Lives'.