Powys County Council is encouraging residents to open their homes and hearts to adults with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, and older adults as part of Shared Lives Week 2025, taking place from June 23 to 27.

To support this campaign, a series of recruitment drop-in events will be held across the county, offering the chance to meet the Shared Lives team and learn about the positive impact Shared Lives carers have on some of Powys’s most vulnerable adults.

Residents interested in finding out more can drop in at any of the following locations:

• Llandrindod Wells, Freedom Leisure Sports Centre, Monday, June 23, 9am – 12.30pm

• Welshpool, Costa Coffee, Wednesday, June 25, 10am – 12pm

• Rhayader, Freedom Leisure Sports Centre, Wednesday, June 25, 10am – 3.30pm

• Newtown, Maldwyn Freedom Leisure Sports Centre, Wednesday, June 25, 2pm – 4pm

• Brecon, Costa Coffee, Friday, June 27, 2pm – 4pm

• Brecon, Freedom Leisure Sports Centre, Friday, June 27, 9am – 12.30pm

Cllr Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, said: “Our Shared Lives carers open their homes and their hearts to the adults they support and mentor - and when this happens everyone involved usually benefits.

“As a Shared Lives carer, you will make a real difference to a person’s life. Carers often tell us that by creating an extended family and by providing the person with a sense of belonging and connection they become more connected to their community, and they learn and experience new things themselves. They tell us that it really is a unique and enriching arrangement for all involved.

“If you have ever considered providing this type of care and support for an adult with learning disabilities or one who is experiencing mental health difficulties, please come along to meet the team at an event near you or contact us to find out more.”

Shared Lives carers in Powys provide a range of support including long-term care, short breaks, emergency cover, and day support for adults with a wide variety of needs. These include learning and physical disabilities, sensory loss, autism spectrum disorders, dementia, mental health challenges, substance misuse issues, and support for older people.

Carers receive an allowance when supporting someone in their home, along with access to training, paid respite, and ongoing support from the Shared Lives team.

Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer can email [email protected] or call 01597 826539 for more information.

Additional details are also available on the Powys County Council website at: https://en.powys.gov.uk/sharedlives