Around Ealing around_ealing_dec-jan-2018 | Page 19

SHARED LIVES Sharon and Fiona Time to share your life? Sharon and Fiona have shared their lives for two years, through a council scheme that places adults with local families. Fiona comes to stay with Sharon regularly. T hey came together through Ealing Shared Lives, which has been run by Ealing Council for 24 years. It is a flexible scheme that places adults who have extra needs with local families – either to live with them or to spend some regular time together. It can be a full-time arrangement as an alternative to living in a care home. Or carers can help by providing respite care – giving other families a break, whether for a weekend, a day, or even a few hours. Shared Lives is looking to recruit more carers. They are paid and receive training and support, as well as holidays. Could it be you? FIONA AND SHARON Fiona, who has a learning disability diagnosis, and lives with her father most of the time, said: “Sharon is like a mother to me. I can go to her for advice. She has helped me a lot, and shown me a lot. I feel like part of her family. “I’d be lost without Shared Lives. I love it. It’s made me happier and more confident.” Sharon, who recently left a part-time job to concentrate solely on her caring, said: “Fiona is like an extra member of the family and keeps me very busy. It is very rewarding and I certainly get more thanks and appreciation than in any other job I have done.” For the full story, visit ealingnewsextra.co.uk/ features/shared-lives Want to find out more? n Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/ sharedlives n Call 020 8825 5436 n Email [email protected] around ealing    December 2017 19