A campaign run by Cambridgeshire County Council aims to increase the number of people inviting someone needing care and support into their homes.

Whether it is for a few hours a week, a short respite stay or long-term live-in arrangement, Shared Lives carers can still work while supporting an adult.

Becoming a Shared Lives carer will provide someone with a learning disability or an older person a place in your home – it is a paid caring role with a fixed tax free allowance of £10,000 per year plus an extra £250 for each person supported each week or part of a week.

Cllr Anna Bailey, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Adults Committee chairwoman, said: “We really want to recognise all the amazing Shared Lives carers that we have and the huge difference they make to people’s lives every day.

“Our carers come from all walks of life and do not need qualifications or experience, they just have to be over 18 with the right attitude and a willingness to truly share their lives with another person.”

Ruby and Steve Dunn, who live in March, became Shared Lives carers after retiring from a 30-year career in the pub trade – they said their new role has ‘enriched’ their lives with ‘education, friendships and, purpose’.

Ruby said: “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing you can give this support to all involved, the family and the person needing the respite.

“We have had some amazing times, and made some lovely memories for ourselves and the person we are caring for.

“As for their family or carer they can feel safe in the knowledge that their loved ones are being well cared for while they have a well-deserved break.”

Cllr Bailey added: “We really need to increase the amount of Shared Lives carers we have in Huntingdon and Fenland but also across Cambridgeshire to cope with the ever increasing demand, so if you have a spare room and would like to change someone’s life by becoming a Shared Lives carer, please get in touch.”

For more information about Shared Lives, call 01354 750084, email CambridgeshireSharedLives@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/shared-lives-carers