Party in the Park Celebrates Tameside’s Shared Lives’ Success

This week the success of Tameside’s Shared Lives Scheme was celebrated with a Party in the Park, an event recognising the dedicated Shared Lives carers who support Service Users.

The Shared Lives Scheme allows older people, people with physical and or learning disabilities or those with mental health needs to live or share their daily life with an approved carer. This empowers them to live an ordinary and independent life in the local community. Sometimes this can be long-term, a short period, or even on a day support basis.

The Shared Lives’ Team, carers and service users gathered in Stamford Park for the annual Party in the Park. This event takes place to recognise the hard work of the carers who support Service Users in the community who live daily with disabilities and vulnerabilities. Everyone who attended enjoyed a game a competitive rounder’s, a picnic and craft activities, accompanied by live music.

Councillor John Taylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: ‘’The Shared Lives scheme is an amazing opportunity for service users to have independence and make real choices with personalised support.

‘’Our annual picnic in the park is a fun filled celebration recognising our amazing carers for the work they do on a daily basis. Not to forget we are also celebrating the hard work of those within Tameside’s Adult Services who alongside the carers help to make the scheme a success.’’

Tameside Council recruit, train, match and support individuals or families who act as Shared Lives Carers. No formal qualifications are needed and people from a variety of backgrounds, with different skills and life experience are welcomed to join. Those considering involvement with scheme must be flexible, sensitive, tolerant and patient with a genuine interest in supporting vulnerable people.

Please visit www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 0161 342 5151 for more information on how to get involved.