MacIntyre delivers the Shared Lives contract in Warrington. We sat down with new manager Mark Gallagher to find out more about his role and what Shared Lives can offer.
Although Mark has only worked for MacIntyre for a couple of months, he has been involved with the Shared Lives scheme for years as part of the relevant local authority team.
Having moved into a different job, Mark missed the day-to-day operational involvement and when he saw MacIntyre’s advertisement for someone to run the expanded Shared Lives contract in Warrington, he knew it was the right opportunity for him.
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a scheme which enables adults who need extra support to live as part of a family. What ‘family’ means varies. Sometimes it’s a conventional two-parent family with children, sometimes it’s a single person. Carers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. The important thing is that the person needing support and the family are the right fit for each other.
Sometimes a person will live with the family full-time, sometimes they will be supported at the weekend, or for specific days.
What do we consider?
The most important thing is to make sure the relationships work, that people have common values and at least some mutual interests.
How does it work?
We are told about someone who needs Shared Lives support by the Warrington local authority. We get to know the person and initially consider if one of our existing Shared Lives Carers has space in their home and might be the right fit. If not, we will begin to source people who might like to become a new Shared Lives Carers.
Gradually, we will introduce the person to one or more potential Shared Lives Carers. When the match looks good, the relationship will grow, moving from low-key introductions to visits, to overnight stays and eventually once everyone is happy, to a confirmed family relationship.
Spare room in your home, spare room in your heart?
If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer in Warrington, get in touch with Mark Gallagher
- 01925 234443
- [javascript protected email address]
The Shared Lives scheme works similarly to foster care, with Shared Lives Carers essentially being self-employed. MacIntyre will provide you with all the training and ongoing support you need, including walking you through the security checks you will need to become a Carer.
Find out more about Shared Lives here.
