THREE new sets of adult carers have been approved to join an ever-growing ‘Shared Lives’ scheme in Dudley borough.

Camphill Village Trust (CVT), the Stourbridge-based supportive home initiative which has set up the scheme, held its first Independent Panel last week made up of local social care professionals and laypeople with a real interest in Shared Lives.

The scheme involves people being paid to care for adults who may be vulnerable or have a disability.

Carers are matched to support the person from their own home where they will help develop their skills so they can lead an ‘ordinary independent life’.

The panel assessed the suitability of families or households wishing to become Shared Lives Carers, and ensure they have the necessary skills and commitment to welcome someone into their own home and support them to be part of the local community.

Recently approved Shared Lives carer, Imran Mahmood, said: “Myself and my wife Sehrish found the whole assessment process most enjoyable.

“It was thorough, but necessary, as the scheme have to ensure that they carefully match the right person to come and stay with our family.

“I would recommend Shared Lives to anyone who is enthusiastic about providing support to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“As a family, we just can’t wait to welcome the first person into our home.”

Panel member Paul Astley, from the Queens Cross Network in Dudley, added: “Being part of the panel is very enlightening and given me opportunity to play an active part in helping shape a visionary community service that provides a real alternative to people, who would otherwise be referred to hospital, nursing or residential care.”

The next independent panel will sit in March 2018, where CVT intend to present up to six new sets of carers.

For more information about becoming a Shared Lives carer visit www.cvt.org.uk/sharedlives.