Inspirational people who provide care by sharing their homes win prestigious awards

People who have supported people with care needs by sharing their homes with them have been given recognition at the recent Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) Awards.

Linda Carnie, 71 came out top in the Long Service Award, which recognised her 17 years supporting adults with additional needs in the county.

A lifelong carer of both children and adults, Banbury resident Linda has kept in touch with nearly every individual she’s welcomed into her home through the scheme over near two decades.

Meanwhile, Chris and Les Harding were highly commended in the Josie Award section. The Josie Award looks to recognise any individual who is making an exceptional difference to dignity in care. Chris and Les, from Stanford in the Vale of White Horse, have been foster carers for many years as well as supporting young adults through the Shared Lives scheme.

The Oxfordshire Shared Lives programme, operated by Oxfordshire County Council, places people in a home setting, where care is provided by a family who share their lives with that person.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “I am thrilled by the recognition that our Shared Lives carers received at the recent OACP Awards.

“Those who take part in the scheme are truly inspirational people. They take people into their homes and care for them as part of their own family, helping to enable them to lead the lives they want to lead. We are all very proud of our Shared Lives service here in Oxfordshire.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives matches people who need additional support to be independent and live on their own, with carers and their families.

Residents  interested in finding out more about Shared Lives and how to get involved, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.