Carers toasted at pampering event

The afternoon tea at Winthrop Gardens featured relaxing activities like reiki, reflexology, beaty treatments and arts and crafts.

It was held as part of the national Shared Lives Week.

Shared Lives is a scheme pairing carers with adults in need of help to live independently.

It was launched in Rotherham and 2011 and had signed up 43 approved carers, who share their time with 52 clients.

Rotherham Borough Council invited the carers, who support people with a short breaks, respite accommodation and befriending, to Wednesday’s tea party.

Cllr David Roche, the council’s cabinet member for adult care and public health, opened the event.

He said: “It’s great to celebrate the work of our Shared Lives carers.

“They do a fantastic job to support adults with particular needs and help them become active members of their own communities.

“I’m so inspired by their dedication to supporting others and it means that we can help people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives whilst regaining some independence.”

Shared Lives carers are vetted by the authority, given training and carefully matched with an appropriate client.

They also receive payment, based on the amount and type of care they provide.

Visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 01709 334987 to find out more about Shared Lives and becoming getting involved as a carer.