Carers, families, and volunteers will gather on Wednesday 4th October to commemorate 45 years of the Shared Lives program and 40 years of the Time Out service, in a special event scheduled at Kala Sangam in Bradford.
Both services, overseen by Bradford Council, are joining forces to mark this occasion and acknowledge the pivotal role played by all those who support adults and carers in the district.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Gerry Barker, will grace the event and present certificates to those who have devoted their time to aid residents.
The Shared Lives service was established to offer support to adults facing challenges such as learning or physical disabilities, mental health issues, or any other social care requirements. This is achieved through respite care provided in the home, or through short-term or full-time placements. These placements can range from an overnight stay, a weekend, or a few days, depending on the individual’s needs.
The Time Out service provides a team of carefully selected casual workers, who offer tailored support to carers and the individuals they care for. This support can range from a couple of hours to an entire day. The objective of the scheme is to offer respite for carers, which can involve activities like visiting individuals at their homes for companionship, assisting with shopping, engaging in hobbies or personal interests, or even spending time with friends.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Shared Lives and Time Out have been invaluable services for many people in our community, adapting over the years and embracing the ever-changing needs of residents. I want to thank everyone who has dedicated time to these services and really made a difference to people’s lives and I look forward to celebrating this milestone for both services.”
Shared Lives and Time Out carers can be individuals, couples, or families from diverse backgrounds. If you wish to learn more about these schemes and become involved, please reach out to Dawn Larkman at 01274 437934 or via email: sharedlivesadmin@bradford.gov.uk or timeoutadmin@bradford.gov.uk.
