FROM holidays to Haven and Disney to walks out with her grandson, a Tameside woman is celebrating over two decades of caring through a unique scheme.
Jackie, 61, from Stalybridge supports both Anne and Mel through Shared Lives.
The Tameside Council 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 and is flexible around people’s interests.
Both Anne and Mel have care and support needs. Anne has lived with Jackie for 14 years and Mel has been supported with respite for 10 years.
Jackie, who has been a Shared Lives carer since 2003, said: “I find it very rewarding and fun, it makes me feel so happy. I enjoy watching people grow in confidence and try new things that they just needed a little bit of support and encouragement to do.”
Jackie, Anne and Mel all have very similar interests – which include going on holidays, trips to the theatre and shopping for new clothes.
Councillor John Taylor, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, commented: “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.”
The council recruits, trains, matches and supports adults to become Shared Lives carers, who must be flexible, tolerant, sensitive and patient with a genuine interest in supporting people.
No formal qualifications are expected, with the local authority welcoming people from different backgrounds, with different skills and life experience.
More information about being a Shared Lives carer can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlives. Alternatively, call 0161 342 5151 or email sharedlives@tameside.gov.uk