Shared Lives Carers needed in the area

A recruitment event will be held in Newtown on Wednesday as part of a county-wide drive to find more people willing to open their homes to adults with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, or older adults.

The drop-in session at Maldwyn Freedom Leisure Sports Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday 25 June will give potential carers the chance to meet the Shared Lives team and learn about the scheme that provides vital support to some of Powys's most vulnerable residents.

The Newtown event is one of six being held across the county during Shared Lives Week 2025, with additional sessions taking place in Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool, Rhayader and Brecon.

Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, said the scheme creates lasting benefits for both carers and those they support.

"Our Shared Lives carers open their homes and their hearts to the adults they support and mentor, and when this happens everyone involved usually benefits," she said.

"As a Shared Lives carer, you will make a real difference to a person's life. Carers often tell us that by creating an extended family and by providing the person with a sense of belonging and connection they become more connected to their community, and they learn and experience new things themselves."

The scheme provides long-term, short breaks, emergency and day support to adults with learning and physical disabilities, sensory loss, autistic spectrum disorders, dementia, and those experiencing poor mental health or substance misuse issues. Support is also available for older people.

Carers receive an allowance when the person they support stays with them, along with access to training opportunities, paid respite and ongoing support from the Shared Lives team.

Anyone interested in finding out more can attend the Newtown event on Wednesday or contact the team by emailing shared.lives@powys.gov.uk or telephoning 01597 826539. Further information is available on the Powys County Council website at https://en.powys.gov.uk/sharedlives.