The Royal Borough of Greenwich is spreading the word about its Shared Lives scheme during Shared Lives Week (Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 June).

Provide a placement for a vulnerable adult

The scheme recruits, trains and supports paid carers who provide invaluable placements for vulnerable adults within their own homes.

Shared Lives carers offer long-term, respite or flexible accommodation and are paid a fee, as well as receiving training, support and advice.

The Royal Borough currently works with about 35 carers who support 60 service users. The needs of service users vary considerably. They may have learning difficulties, a physical disability or another medical condition such as epilepsy or dementia.

Shared Lives stall and information point

To help raise the profile of the Shared Lives scheme, the Royal Borough will have an information point in The Woolwich Centre from Monday 19 to Friday 23 June to provide more details of what the scheme involves and how to sign up.

There is also an opportunity to speak to carers, service users and staff face-to-face at the Shared Lives stall at The Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day event at The Royal Artillery Barracks on Saturday 24 June, 11am to 6pm.

Offer a lifeline to someone in need

Cllr David Gardner, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "The Shared Lives scheme is a rewarding way to help someone gain a real sense of belonging by simply offering them a place to stay.

"I'd encourage people to find out more about this unique programme by visiting the information point or the Great Get Together stall and thinking about whether they can offer a lifeline to someone in need."

Use the hashtag #SharedLivesChoiceForAll on social media to join in the conversation.