An important scheme that supports adults with additional needs within a family home is recruiting more carers.

Ealing Council’s Shared Lives scheme matches adults with learning and physical difficulties with people who can provide at-home placements. Thirteen adults currently benefit from the scheme. Seven with local families full-time as an alternative to living in a care home and the remaining six use the scheme for overnight or short term respite care or support in the community.

Shared Lives carers who provide long term support are paid between £345.97 and £454.15 a week. Short term care is paid on either a daily or hourly rate

Carers receive regular support and training from Ealing Council and no special qualifications are needed, however people must be willing to share their homes and devote the time and energy needed to care for an adult with additional needs. The philosophy behind Shared Lives is that the cared-for person becomes part of the family.

If you would like to find out more, come and speak with officers from Ealing Council who will be available to provide information and advice during Shared Lives week (17-25 June) at two separate locations:

• Job fair at Southall Dominion Centre on 20 June, 11am-4pm
• A stand at Perceval House, Ealing on 21 June, 9.30am-3pm.

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for health and adults services, said: "Everyone involved in Shared Lives says what a profound and positive difference it has made to their lives. The alternative for most of the adults that use the scheme is a residential care home, so they appreciate the extra choice and independence that they get from being part of a family. And carers consistently tell us how much they personally and emotionally benefit from sharing their homes in this way."

"We carefully match people and since Shared Lives began over 20 years ago there hasn’t been a breakdown in placement. I would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more to come along and get more information or get in touch with our team at the council."

To find out more about the scheme, visit www.ealing.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 020 8825 5436.