Training and support for Shared Lives carers
You will receive appropriate support and training to help you. It usually takes about three to six months to become an approved shared lives carer. We provide free training to help you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to be a good carer.
Training is generally Face to Face but there is also the option of E-learning.
Mandatory training is Safeguarding, First Aid, Medication, Health and Safety, Person Centred Approach and Moving and Handling. This must be completed every 3 years and is usually held at Rockingham training centre between 10am and 1pm. Carers are paid for training and receive a certificate on completion.
Our training sessions are Shared Lives specific which are tailored towards the needs of Shared Lives.
You can also access specialist training, including around mental health, dementia and autism. This will depend on the service you are offering and the needs of the person placed with you.
Ongoing Support
Your Shared Lives worker will be available to support you and keep in regular contact with you. You will have an annual review and regular visits throughout the year to make sure everything is going well for you and the person you care for.
We will give you details of people you can contact in case there is an emergency. Other carers are often a valuable source of support. You’ll get to meet them during your training and in the course of your work.
We also hold regular social events. We invite all our carers and the people they support along to enjoy an activity, refreshments and the chance to socialise with others and the Shared Lives Team.