An innovative scheme designed to support adults with additional needs to live in the community has recently celebrated its first birthday.

A year ago, Camphill Village Trust were appointed by Dudley Council to operate its shared lives scheme and more than 60 people recently came together to mark its first anniversary at its Stourbridge offices.

Shared Lives offers the opportunity for adults with learning disabilities or those with other needs, such as early on-set dementia, to live in the community and works in a similar way to foster care. Camphill Village Trust were appointed to drive ambitions to expand the service across the borough and has already organised 15 new placements in the last 12 months. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and social care, said:

“We’re really pleased to see how well the service is doing in its first 12 months with the trust. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when we work closely with experienced providers.

“We appreciate the hard work and commitment of our shared lives carers in opening their homes to support people with additional needs and I would encourage anyone who thinks they have what it takes to become a shared lives carer to get in touch.”

Dean Barnshaw, head of service for shared lives, added:

“We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far and that the scheme has given us a new direction and added to our established community-based services already being delivered in the area.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together for our first birthday celebrations. Thank you to all those involved with the scheme, who have worked tirelessly to help reach the standards we have.”

People interested in finding out more about becoming a shared lives carer can call 01384 441505 or visit: camphillvillagetrust.org.uk.