Southampton resident Tina Driscoll has been recognised for going the extra mile in her role as a Shared Lives carer for Southampton City Council.
Tina and her husband Ray have been approved Shared Lives carers since 1995. Over the years they have supported a number of people and are currently sharing their lives with two people. *Sam has been living with Tina and Ray for a while now and recently they welcomed *Sarah into their home and family. Tina is the first Shared Lives carer to be given the new appreciation award.
Tina said: “I love being a Shared Lives carer, I don’t see it as job at all, they are part of my family. We all go on holiday together, go to the cinema, shopping, enjoy meals together, do all the things that a family do. This includes helping the people we support to become more independent and explore new things. It is so lovely to have been given this award, but the real reward has been sharing our lives with some wonderful people and helping them to live the lives they want to.”
Shared Lives is a scheme run by Southampton City Council, whereby individuals and families provide care in their home for up to three people with disabilities, aged over 18. Shared Lives carers, come from a range of backgrounds and are carefully matched with the person they will care for. The role of a Shared Lives carer is varied and ranges from providing help with daily tasks such as dressing and meal preparation to helping build new friendships and social networks, which creates a sense of belonging and community.
To become a Shared Lives carer, you must be over 18 years of age and don’t need specific qualifications, just the right values, commitment and a spare bedroom. Training and a support network are provided to all Shared Lives carers.
Councillor Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Health, Adults and Leisure said: “Shared Lives is a brilliant initiative that brings together people who need support with people like Tina who can offer a caring family environment. All our Shared Lives carers do an amazing job and make a huge difference to the lives of those they support. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a rewarding role to consider Shared Lives.”
For further Information visit Shared Lives (southampton.gov.uk), contact 023 8091 7616, or send an email to mailto:shared.lives@southampton.gov.uk
*Names changed of the individuals being supported