A MAN who shares his home with disabled people so he can care for them full time has talked about his experiences.

Scott Smith, 31, from Burnley, works as part of the Shared Lives scheme, which is used by about 150 local authorities across the country.

Currently, he cares for two adults with learning disabilities with the help of his partner Tatjana Kühn.

He said: "I become carer in January 2017 and currently two men live with myself and my partner.

"I cook meals for them and help them with their washing and give them financial advice.

"They're a part of the family.

"I also do day care for other people who might want to go to the cinema for the day and offer respite care for people whose carers might go on holiday and need a break.

He added: "I really enjoy caring and I'd encourage anyone to become a Shared Lives carer."

He has spoken out during Shared Lives Week and Lancashire County Council has urged more people to get in touch to find out about becoming a Shared Lives carer.

The national campaign for the service, which is similar to fostering for vulnerable adults, started on Friday, June 15 and ends on Sunday, June 24.

The county council’s Shared Lives service, rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), provides care and support for adults with disabilities, mental health needs and older people.

It matches people with carers and families who can provide support in their home.

County Councillor Charlie Edwards, lead member for health and adult services, said: “We’re looking for more people to be carers and Shared Lives week is a great opportunity for people to find out more about the scheme at one of our drop in events.

“It’s a chance to talk to our carers and staff about what the role involves and the people who use the service to find out how it works.

“Shared Lives works in a very similar way to fostering, but for adults. People who use the service come to live with their carers as part of their family rather than in a residential facility or with a team of support workers.

“They live right in the heart of the community. Carers support people with everything from day-to-day tasks such as preparing meals, to hobbies and interests, studying and finding employment. They also go on holiday together.

“As a carer, you get a generous monthly allowance which can range from £300 to £450 a week, based on the needs of the person you’re caring for.”

The focus of this year’s Shared Lives Week is to find carers to support people for longer periods of time.

This could be anything from a few weeks to several years.

There are currently nearly 300 carers in Lancashire supporting over 350 people.

Several free drop-in events have taken place across the county, including in Accrington, where people have had the opportunity to speak to the Shared Lives team and Shared Lives carers.

For more information about Shared Lives week, visit visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/SharedLives