Live More programme gains regional and national recognition for dementia support
At some point in our lives we’re all likely to need to provide care for someone important to us, or to receive care ourselves. In Greater Manchester, local councils have been working with their Shared Lives schemes, to offer a pioneering kind of support called Live More, for older families experiencing dementia.
Last month, Shared Lives Plus joined social care leaders and families at a Greater Manchester event celebrating innovative adult social care projects supported through the Accelerating Reform Fund. The event highlighted the impact Live More, backed by Mayor Andy Burnham, is having for families across Bury, Bolton and Stockport.
Attendees heard directly from families and carers about the difference Shared Lives support makes. A film featuring Jean and John, who were supported by Joe, a Shared Lives carer with Persona Care and Support Shared Lives in Bury, gave an honest insight into living with dementia, ‘it’s a lifeline’.
It was particularly powerful to spend time focusing on Shared Lives, including a moving conversation with Lica from Bolton Cares Group and Barry, a Shared Lives carer. Barry spoke with real honesty about why he became a carer and how he supports a gentleman living with dementia to stay active and connected in his community – a story that resonated deeply across the room.
Earlier that day, representatives from the Casey Commission met with Shared Lives carers, people with dementia and scheme workers from Persona Care and Support, with Live More being mentioned in their national newsletter for April.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the day, it is wonderful to share how the things you do make all the difference to people – and paves the way for many more of us when we might need it to Live More.
