Tameside resident celebrates over two decades of caring through Shared Lives

Jackie, 61, from Stalybridge supports both Anne and Mel through Shared Lives, a scheme empowering people with a range of needs to share daily life with a carer.

Jackie has been a Shared Lives Carer since 2003. Tameside Council’s Shared Lives scheme empowers adults with a range of physical, learning and mental health needs to live an independent life in their local community by matching them with a carer. Support can be long-term, respite, or day support.

Flexibility allows for unique support to be fitted around the interests of people, so they can live a good life, doing the things they enjoy.

From holidays to Haven and Disney to walks out with her grandson, Jackie supports both Anne and Mel through Shared Lives. Anne has lived with Jackie for 14 years and has supported Mel with respite for 10 years, both have care and support needs.

When asked about why she loves being a carer, she said ‘I find it very rewarding and fun, it makes me feel so happy.’. Adding to this Jackie said, ‘I enjoy watching people grow in confidence and try new things that they just needed a little bit of support and encouragement to do.’.

She feels like Anne and Mel have been well matched to her, they all have very similar interests including shopping for new clothes, going on holidays and even trips to the theatre.

Watch this video to hear Jackie, Anne and Mel talk about some of the things they’ve done during their time together  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dacK42bHf0M

Executive Member for Adult Social Care Cllr John Taylor said: ‘’It’s amazing to hear about all the things Jackie, Mel and Anne have done through Shared Lives. Thank you to Jackie for her dedication as a Shared Lives Carer. helping people to live a good life.

Thank you to all our Shared Lives Carers and Long-term Support Team who make such a big difference to people’s lives, you are the vital cogs that make this scheme so successful in Tameside.’’

Tameside Council recruit, train, match, and support people over the age of 18 to become Shared Lives Carers. Carers must be flexible, sensitive, tolerant, and patient with a genuine interest in supporting people. No formal qualifications are expected, and they welcome people from different backgrounds, with different skills and life experience.

Find out more about being a Shared Lives Carer and how the scheme can support adults with a range of needs at www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlives , calling 0161 342 5151 or email sharedlives@tameside.gov.uk