The event came hot on the heels of the announcement that the City of Wolverhampton Council has awarded Camphill Village Trust a new contract to continue delivering Shared Lives in Wolverhampton for the next 2 to 4 years following a competitive tender process.

Held for professionals working with adults, young people preparing for adulthood, care leavers, older adults, and people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, the event at the Bob Jones Community Hub highlighted the positive impact Shared Lives is having on communities across the city.

Attendees were able to learn more about the Shared Lives model, meet carers, ambassadors and people supported through the service, and hear inspiring real life stories. The event also provided an opportunity to explore referral pathways and discuss future developments for the service.

Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Shared Lives is making a real difference to people's lives across Wolverhampton, matching people who need care and support with trained carers who welcome them into their homes and family life, either on a short term, or long term, basis.

"It's a personalised approach that helps people build confidence, develop independence, and become active members of their communities. We've seen first hand how it can create lasting relationships and provide stability, and that's why we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Camphill Village Trust and growing this valuable service for the future."

Kate Morgan, Shared Lives Head of Service at Camphill Village Trust, said: "We are so excited to get to work on expanding the Shared Lives service across the city, to make it even bigger and better and to reach more people who can offer, or benefit from, the model.

"Working at the heart of the community, Shared Lives is about building real connections and creating opportunities for people to live fulfilling, independent lives. The support from the council and our local partners is crucial to the continued success of Shared Lives and making opportunities available to the people we support.

"The celebration event highlighted the real nature and strength of Shared Lives. Seeing the people we support and our Shared Lives carers join in with activities, stepping outside their comfort zones to talk in front of an audience for the first time or take the mic to sing, was a huge inspiration.

"I would like to thank all the organisations that supported the event and showcased the wide range of services available across the city. By working together, we can strengthen communities, raise awareness of the support available, and build meaningful relationships which help people live well throughout every stage of their lives."

Shared Lives supports adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care and support by carefully matching them with trained carers who welcome them into their homes and family life.

The service can provide long term living arrangements, short breaks, day support and other flexible care options, and is open to care leavers and young people moving into adult services, older adults, and people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or physical or sensory impairments.

To help more people benefit from Shared Lives, Camphill Village Trust is looking to recruit more carers across Wolverhampton. To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, or to discuss whether Shared Lives may be suitable for someone you support, please contact the Shared Lives team on 01384 441505 or visit Camphill Village Trust.