BILD (the British Institute of Learning Disabilities) is helping Shared Lives Plus deliver a new support service for Shared Lives carers during the Covid-19 crisis. Please see below for more details and how you can access it.
The initial four-week phone and web based service is available to all Shared Lives carers and those they care for. The project is being backed by government and it is hoped, if successful, will continue beyond the trial period and extend to cover other family carers.
The support offer is based on BILD’s Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) model and will include one to one calls, a staffed helpline, webinars and online advice, also tapping into Shared Lives Plus’s own online carer forum.
Shared Lives Plus CEO Alex Fox explains more and is urging all Shared Lives carers to reach out if they need support:
“This is a huge boost for us at a critical time and during very different and difficult circumstances. Many family carers and Shared Lives carers are now providing 24/7 care, due to the suspension of purposeful daytime activities. While their professional care offers a secure and stable home, people who require support can become distressed due to the current situation.
“Some people with learning disabilities are anxious about the spread of coronavirus and others are struggling to understand and comply with the lockdown measures, putting them and others at risk. We welcome the support from our partners at BILD and would encourage all Shared Lives carers to get in touch if they think it will help. We envisage this project will give them and all those they look after piece of mind during what are, for many, extremely challenging and uncertain times.”
Ben Higgins is CEO at BILD:
“This is a challenging time for everybody and people are more likely to feel anxious and stressed. There are particular challenges for family carers and Shared Lives carers and Bild Associates have a great deal of expertise in Positive Behaviour Support to help reduce the risk of people becoming distressed. We are delighted to be able to offer this support to Shared Lives carers during this difficult time.”
Any Shared Lives carers who want to take advantage of the new service are advised to contact the Shared Lives Plus membership team, or you can book a session online.
