Clwyd West MS Darren Millar learnt more about the support service ‘PSS Shared Lives’ this week and how it is benefiting people in Wales after visiting a woman who is supporting two people who live in his constituency.
PSS Shared Lives is a bit like fostering, but with the big difference that it’s for people over 18 in Wales who want to live as independently as possible. It’s a completely flexible support service that can work for people from all walks of life, with all levels of need. PSS is a social enterprise that supports people “to live happy, healthy and hopeful lives”.
On Monday, Darren visited PSS Shared Lives Carer Sandra Shaw, who is supporting Cheryl Broome and Gregory Earl.
During his visit, he also found out more about the service from Chris Goodwin, PSS Shared Lives Development Worker.
Speaking afterwards, he said:
“PSS Shared Lives provides support for people who can’t at the time they start using the service, support themselves fully. That means adults of all ages and all levels of need.
“Lots of different people use the Shared Lives service, from all different walks of life, including those who have a learning or physical/sensory disability; a new mum or dad with support needs; those experiencing a mental health problem; and those recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
“It is also is available to those who might be moving from a different type of care, like foster care; have come out of hospital and need a hand while they fully recover and regain their independence; or already receive care but want to have a bit more choice about how it works.
“I was pleased to chat to Shared Lives Carer Sandra and to Cheryl and Gregory, who she supports, to find out how the service works for all of them. I learnt a lot from our discussions and I thank them, and Chris Goodwin, PSS Shared Lives Development Worker, for meeting with me and speaking so openly about the Shared Lives service and their personal experiences.
“It is great to know that whatever background you come from, and whatever your needs, this support is out there.”
For further information on PSS Shared Lives visit https://psspeople.com/help-for-professionals/social-care/shared-lives.
