Wolverhampton City Council has awarded Camphill Village Trust a new contract to continue delivering Shared Lives in the city for the next 2 to 4 years. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process.
A celebration event held at the Bob Jones Community Hub brought together professionals working with adults, young people preparing for adulthood, care leavers, older adults, and people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. Attendees learned about the Shared Lives model, met carers and ambassadors, and heard real life stories from people supported through the service. The event also explored referral pathways and discussed future developments.
How Shared Lives Works
Shared Lives matches people who need care and support with trained carers who welcome them into their homes and family life. Support can be provided on either a short term or long term basis. The service supports adults and young people aged 16 and over.
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said the initiative helps people build confidence, develop independence, and become active members of their communities. "We've seen first hand how it can create lasting relationships and provide stability," she said.
Plans for Expansion
Kate Morgan, Shared Lives Head of Service at Camphill Village Trust, said the organisation is "excited to get to work on expanding the Shared Lives service across the city, to make it even bigger and better and to reach more people who can offer, or benefit from, the model."
Morgan highlighted the celebration event as demonstrating the strength of Shared Lives, with people supported and carers participating in activities and sharing their experiences publicly for the first time.
