A carer has ensured a woman with complex needs will not be alone over the Christmas period after inviting her into her home.

57-year-old Jane Linkson has welcomed Keryn into her home for over two months through the Shared Lives service.

It allows adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs to be placed within a home where they can feel part of a family.

Jane said: “We met once with her social worker and a Shared Lives officer for a coffee, and that was it, we decided we were going to go for it.”

Jane helps Keryn with her complex needs and mental health diagnosis, providing everyday companionship, as well as psychological and organisational support.

This includes prompting and reminding of self-care needs and medication.

The pair do activities together that encourage the development of independent skills.

Jane is assisting Keryn as part of the ‘home from hospital’ provision, a placement for individuals who have been in hospital but aren’t ready to return to their prior situation.

Jane thinks more people should consider being a part of the service if they are in a position to offer it.

She believes being in a safe, homely environment rather than an institutional one can be more beneficial for those in need.

She said: “If you can have someone in your home for a period of time to give them the opportunity to get back into the swing of life, then why not?

“We need to get the word out there that there are options and to not be afraid of trying something new, because you never know what might work.

“I’ve had lots of experience doing lots of other things but I’ve never done this before, and this has been a great learning experience for me too.

“You can think you know about something but until you stand next to someone and stand in their shoes, you don’t really know what life is like for someone who has complex needs and I think we could all do with a dose of that.”

The Shared Lives service was recently awarded a rating of “Good” in an inspection carried out by the Care Quality Commission.

Councillor Jane Davies, cabinet member for Adult Social Care said: “Shared Lives is a bit like fostering but for adults.

“The service enables people with mental health needs, learning disabilities or physical impairments to live as part of a family within their home, providing the support and care they need.”

She added: “This service is not well known but it is a service that we want to make more people aware of and expand.

“We are currently recruiting more Shared Lives Carers.

“Carers are self-employed and receive a fee of up to £640 per week depending on the level of need.

“They can support up to three people and are fully trained and supported by our Shared Lives team.

“People don’t need qualifications or previous care experience to become a Shared Lives Carer.

“Our lives get better when they’re shared.

“If you’re willing to provide care and support, we’d love to meet you.”