Brixton charity seeks paid home‑based carers

Grace Eyre carer and client

Brixton-based charity Grace Eyre is looking for people to become paid carers in their own homes.

The Shared Lives scheme supports people with learning disabilities, older people and people with mental health needs.

Carers can earn up to £600 a week.

The charity is running a recruitment event on Thursday 22 November from 4 to 6pm at WeAre336, 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA.

Shared Lives carers have a spare room in their home and want to help others to lead fulfilling lives.

If a carer does not have a spare room, there are still opportunities to provide support to others from their home during the day by providing activities such as cooking or arts and crafts. People are matched with carers based on personality, interests and lifestyle.

The charity says its carers do not need experience because all training is provided and that the scheme is a rewarding experience for both parties. One Shared Lives carer says: “It doesn’t feel like a job, it’s just part of what I do and who I am”.

Grace Eyre’s vision is of a society where people with learning disabilities are respected as equal citizens, are part of and contribute to their communities and Shared Lives is a key part of its work.

The Grace Eyre Foundation has been supporting people with learning disabilities since 1898 and runs Shared Lives schemes in Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex.

It says Shared Lives is a well-established model of providing accommodation and support to vulnerable people.