COMPASSIONATE people prepared to open their homes and offer care to vulnerable adults are sought by Wiltshire Council for its Shared Lives scheme.

Carers come from all walks of life and don’t need qualifications or experience, just the right attitude and a willingness to share their family lives with another person, says the authority.

They are paid a fixed amount, rather than an hourly rate and have access to preferential tax arrangements.

Current Shared Lives carers Sandie and Ken Stevens said: “Seeing someone grow and achieve new things, and keeping them safe gives us a great sense of pleasure, which stays with us for a long time.”

Shared Lives is a registered service with the Care Quality Commission and have been rated Good within the last year.

Johnny Kidney, portfolio holder for adult social care at Wiltshire Council said: “The Shared Lives scheme provides people with an improved quality of life and gives them a strong family environment, helping them develop relationships that could last a lifetime.

“I would urge anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer to do so, it’s an incredibly rewarding thing to do and you will be making a huge positive difference to someone’s life.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme can call 01722 438196 or email sharedlives@wiltshire.gov.uk for details.

The website yourcareyoursupportwiltshire.org.uk also has more information.