People who pride themselves on being caring and compassionate are being offered the ultimate work from home job opportunity – getting paid to look after someone in their own home.
Avalon, a Yorkshire care provider that promotes supported shared living through the charity Shared Lives Plus, is looking for 30 carers to open up their homes and hearts to people who need support – for mental health, dementia, or a learning disability, and to earn up to £550 per week in return.
The opportunity comes as more people are seeking secure care environments amid the ongoing pandemic, and it is hoped people of all ages, abilities, histories and experiences will apply for the exciting new roles.
Sarah Cattell, 42 and her husband Adam, 36, are Shared Lives carers based in Doncaster. Sarah said:
Being a Shared Lives carer is a job that I knew would be perfect for my family’s situation.
The hours are flexible and you are providing support, positive experiences and a family life for someone who needs it, at a time that suits them and their families.
Before becoming a carer I was an Environmental Health, Principal Enforcement Officer. I spent my career helping vulnerable people in society to improve living conditions and worked closely with Social Services. I always found that there were things I would like to do to help individuals in their unique circumstances that were restricted by the legislative guidance. I wanted a career that would fit around my family life, also allowing me to care for people and help make positive change. I found my skills in communication, patience and health particularly useful. The training is excellent and you have the option to request further training in specific areas.
All you need is life experience, a caring and patient nature with a willingness to carry out the training, make positive change and support someone, as well as a spare room!
Across the UK more than 6,000 Shared Lives carers support more than 14,000 social care users, with 150 new opportunities currently available nationally. Carers can provide day care, over-night care or a permanent home for a diverse range of people who need support in everyday life. This could be anyone from young people leaving care, those with mental or physical disabilities, to older people or those needing short term support following hospital treatment.
Shared Lives carers come from a whole range of careers. As well as former care workers and health professionals, current carers include former brick layers, mortgage advisers, foster carers, butchers and police officers, with young parents also choosing it as a career that works around their own childcare responsibilities.
Alex Fox, CEO Shared Lives Plus, the UK membership charity for Shared Lives carers and shared living services said:
Covid-19 has had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of our lives, but Shared Lives carers have been doing an amazing job keeping people safe and well at home.
Whether you’re ready for a rewarding new career, want to fill the gap when kids have flown the nest, or looking for a flexible way to earn some extra money which fits brilliantly with your family life, being a Shared Lives carer could be for you.
You don’t need any qualifications as your local service will provide all the training you need and we will support you every step of the way. A wise Shared Lives carer once put it to me this way: ‘To be good at this, all you need is a home and a heart!
To apply applicants can contact Avalon at www.avalonsharedlives.co.uk or call 01423 530053.
