News-Open your heart and your home through Shared Lives

Those are the heartfelt words of Marie Ellison as, together with her partner Michael Tray, she reflects on being a Shared Lives provider with us.

Marie and Michael have spoken of their experiences in the hope of inspiring others to follow their lead in offering respite placements to adults with learning disabilities.

 Marie decided to become a Shared Lives provider having clocked up more than 30 years in the care sector, working with adults with learning disabilities.

"I wanted to do something a little bit different and something that was more suitable for a good home and work-life balance," she explains.

Michael had worked in a factory for 30 years. He initially trained to become a Shared Lives provider to support Marie. Michael enjoyed it so much he decided to become a full-time provider also. Michael explains: "When we do respite, it's amazing. We get to meet all different people. We go and do what they like to do, which can sometimes be something we wouldn't think to do. It's opened another page in our book.

"It's a new field of life for me because I've spent my time in a factory and now I'm not. I'm out, we do things, it's just amazing." Michael describes his experience of being a Shared Lives provider as "unbelievable."

Reflecting on her partner's journey, Marie adds: "Even for people who have no care background, the support and training through the Shared Lives management team is phenomenal."

Durham Shared Lives supports people with learning disabilities, who are unable to live on their own. It has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Paid carers, called providers, offer a home, a family environment and a safe place in which to give care and support - an alternative to some traditional kinds of care, such as residential care homes. Shared Lives providers work on a self-employed basis with a special form of tax relief, called qualifying care relief, available.

Some providers look after people to offer respite to their families, and others look after people longer term. Providers are offered a range of high-quality training, ongoing guidance, and support.

We are looking for providers across County Durham - people who have a spare bedroom, safe, clean and comfortable home; a willingness to share their life and home with others; and a caring personality.

There is an assessment process to help people understand what's involved and make sure everyone is safe. Once approved, the Shared Lives provider is carefully matched with a service user. They can find out more about each other and meet in advance, and there is full support every step of the way.

Cllr Chris Hood, our Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: "As Marie and Michael can testify, being a Shared Lives provider is a rewarding and fulfilling care role where you can really make a difference to the lives of the people you support.

"It is lovely to hear how much their lives have been enriched by welcoming people into their homes and of course, we are very grateful to them and all our other Shared Lives carers for the difference they have made to those they have opened their doors and hearts to.

"We would love to hear from anyone who thinks Shared Lives might be for them - there is plenty of information and details of how to get in touch on our website."