Honouring Banbury couple’s continued commitment to supporting others
Kym and Roger Garnett are much like any other Oxfordshire couple. They live on a quiet road in Banbury, in a spacious well kept house.
But for the last 27 years, the Garnetts have been part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives programme, seeing them open their home to adults with additional care needs, offering them a place to stay and grow their independence.
And at a ceremony last night (Tuesday 29 April) at Frilford Heath Golf Club near Abingdon, Kym and Roger were given an award celebrating their long service by Oxfordshire County Council Chief Executive, Martin Reeves.
Martin said: “For almost three decades Kym and Roger have selflessly opened their home to offer adults with additional needs a place to live happily and independently.
“The difference they have made to the people they have shared their lives with should not be underestimated and it is a privilege to be able to celebrate their kindness and dedication with them.”
Roger and Kym became Shared Lives carers in June 1998. Roger had previously been employed as a support worker with the NHS learning disability team and has many years of experience supporting adults with additional needs, with a specialism for people with autism.
They are able to support up to three people at any one time, for long and short-term stays as well as providing accommodation for adults needing immediate support with little notice period.
Martin added: “Kym and Roger have been able to offer tailored support for people when they have needed it most. Whether that was a fixed place to stay to give someone the continuity they needed or a roof over their head when a person found themselves in immediate need, the Garnetts have opened their door and welcomed them in.”
Kym and Roger are both advanced first aiders and have significant support from the county council’s Shared Lives team, ensuring they have the latest guidance and training.
On receiving the award, Roger said: “Shared Lives is a very special programme. While there are some challenging times, we get just as much from the scheme as the people living with us.
“We learn from each other and laugh with each other and it is a real joy to see the people staying with us grow their independence.”
Roger and Kym have also been shortlisted for a long-term service award at next month’s Oxfordshire Care Awards. The event recognises excellence in the region’s care sector, with the ceremony taking place at Blenheim Palace on Tuesday 6 May.
Shared Lives plays an important role in the council’s Oxfordshire Way vision, by supporting people to live happily and independently withing their communities, reducing the need for more formal care.
Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. You can earn up to £500 a week by supporting someone at home and fit it around your life and work commitments.
If you think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or calling 01865 897971.
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