We are exploring how we can support people living with dementia to stay active, well, and connected with Shared Lives.
Shared Lives supports people to carry on doing the things that matter to them.
We’re looking for people in the early stages of dementia, to volunteer for a pilot programme to help us shape this approach.
Over the next six to eight months, 100 households across Greater Manchester will help us learn and improve the service by sharing their experiences and feedback.
If you are interested, fill in the form below to contact your local Shared Lives scheme.
Your local Shared Lives scheme will start by getting to know you, and how you like to spend your time.
They’ll then carefully match you with a person who shares your interests.
You’ll spend time together each week, being supported to do the things you enjoy – using the persons home as a base, or out and about.
Whether it’s walking in the park, watching sports, fixing things, dancing, or simply chatting over a brew – how you like to spend your time is the starting point.
This support also gives family members some space and time for the things that matter to them.
You will be matched with a local person who has opened their home to share their time with others. They are carefully selected and approved by their local Shared Lives scheme.
Most importantly, you will be matched with someone based on shared interests, so spending time together feels natural and enjoyable.
The pilot is open to people living with dementia in Greater Manchester who want to stay active, connected, and well.
The programme is ideal for people who are beginning to feel that it would be helpful to have some support to get out and about and do the things they enjoy.
No, this pilot is fully funded by a local grant.
Funding covers the cost of supporting each person for one session a week for approximately six months.
You will need to pay for any activities that cost money (like going to the cinema or having a meal out), but it’s always up to you what you do during your sessions.
We’d love to hear about the difference the support sessions make to your life. If you take part, we will invite you to share your experiences and views with us.
It’s completely up to you whether you choose to share anything – saying no won’t affect your place or the support you receive, and you can change your mind at any time.
By telling us about your experience of Shared Lives, you’ll be helping us shape the programme for other people in the future.
That’s okay, sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find the right fit.
Your local Shared Lives scheme will work with you to make sure you’re matched with someone whose personality and interests suit you.
If it’s not quite right, we can look at other options.
At the end of the pilot, we’ll chat with you and your family about how things have gone and what you’d like to do next.
If you’ve enjoyed Shared Lives, your local scheme can talk through the options for continuing support.
If you agree, we’ll also use what you’ve told us to help shape the future of Shared Lives for people with dementia, so your experience can make a difference for others.
No. Taking part in this pilot will not affect any benefits you receive.
The support is fully funded, and there are no payments made to you that would change your entitlement.
If you ever have concerns, your local Shared Lives scheme can point you towards independent advice to give you extra peace of mind.
