Blackpool Council is encouraging people to support national Shared Lives Week which runs from 17-25 June.



The Shared Lives service offers an alternative to traditional residential accommodation for people aged 16 or over with a recognised need.

Specially recruited carers provide much needed support and accommodation within their own homes and people are welcomed as ‘one of the family’.

Shared Lives offers daytime and short breaks, respite time and longer term care with the service tailored to the needs of the user.

Around 60 people in the Blackpool area already choose to receive their support in this way, part of the 13,500 people who use Shared Lives across the UK.

Shared Lives Plus the UK network of homeshare and family-based support programmes has chosen this year’s theme of ‘Shared Lives Choice For All’. It is aimed at raising awareness of the service which is available for a wide range of support needs, but is not yet offered to all people would might benefit from it.

Blackpool Shared Lives carers will be celebrating the week at a ‘Thank You’ event to be held at Dahlias Kitchen, Cropper Road, Blackpool on the 22nd June.

Jo and Vince are shining examples of Shared Live carers having been part of the service for over 20 years after retiring from running a busy guest house in Blackpool.

Throughout this time they have provided care and support and welcomed individuals and families in need into their home for day support, short breaks or longer term.

Susan has lived with the couple for many years after being resettled in the 1990s from a hospital for adults with learning disabilities. She has now become truly part of the family and has attended family weddings, christenings and birthday parties.

Cllr Amy Cross, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member Responsible for Adult Safeguarding, said: “Shared Lives is a wonderful scheme where carers share their home and family life with a person who needs help to live well. There is so much fantastic work being undertaken at both a local level here in Blackpool and nationally.

“The carers are remarkable people. They offer people a safe and compassionate home and much needed support.”

Alex Fox, Chief Executive of Shared Lives Plus, said “I am delighted that Blackpool Council’s Shared Lives service is so active in Shared Lives Week 2017.

“In Blackpool, Shared Lives is available to people with learning disabilities, people with mental ill health, older people with dementia, young people entering adulthood

and others who have an eligible need.

“Whenever someone needs support, people on their side and a place to belong, this local service can be a great choice to offer them.”

For more information about Shared Lives in Blackpool call 01253 477817 or visit sharedlives@blackpool.gov.uk