‘Live More’ with Shared Lives
We have some good news…
Our Shared Lives Oldham scheme is part of a new pilot taking place across Greater Manchester – this new pilot is called ‘Live More’, and we’re excited to be a part of it in Oldham!
Shared Lives supports people to carry on doing the things that matter to them. Delivered through Greater Manchester’s various Shared Lives schemes, ‘Live More’ will invite people living with dementia (and their families) to test out Share Lives support in their hometown.
Working with the people and families who take part, we’re then going to measure what impact this has had on their lives and wellbeing, and also the impact it’s had within our health and social care system to establish if it offers a viable model of proactive, targeted prevention and early action.
We’re looking for people in the early stages of dementia, to take part and help us shape this approach. If you are interested, please contact us via email or phone:
- SharedLivesTeam@oldham.gov.uk
- 0161 770 8777
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions, that give more information about the ‘Live More’ pilot…
How will ‘Live More’ through Shared Lives work for someone living with dementia?
The Shared Lives Oldham team will start by getting to know you, and how you like to spend your time. They will then carefully match you with a person who shares your interests. You’ll spend time together each week, being supported to do the things you enjoy – using the person’s home as a base, or out and about. Whether it’s walking in the park, watching sports, fixing things, dancing, or simply chatting over a brew – how you like to spend your time is the starting point. This support also gives family members some space and time for the things that matter to them.
Who will I be matched with?
You will be matched with a local person who has opened their home to share their time with others. They are carefully selected and approved by the Shared Lives Oldham team. Most importantly, you will be matched with someone based on shared interests, so spending time together feels natural and enjoyable.
Who can take part in the ‘Live More’ pilot?
The pilot is open to people living with dementia in Greater Manchester who want to stay active, connected, and well. The programme is ideal for people who are beginning to feel that it would be helpful to have some support to get out and about and do the things they enjoy.
Do I have to pay to take part?
No, this pilot is fully funded by a local grant. Funding covers the cost of supporting each person for one session a week for approximately six months. You will need to pay for any activities that cost money (like going to the cinema or having a meal out), but it’s always up to you what you do during your sessions.
Do I have to do anything if I take part?
We’d love to hear about the difference the support sessions make to your life. If you take part, we will invite you to share your experiences and views with us. It’s completely up to you whether you choose to share anything – saying no won’t affect your place or the support you receive, and you can change your mind at any time. By telling us about your experience of Shared Lives, you’ll be helping us shape the programme for other people in the future.
What if I don’t get on with the person I’m matched with?
That’s okay, sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find the right fit. The Shared Lives Oldham team will work with you to make sure you’re matched with someone whose personality and interests suit you. If it’s not quite right, we can look at other options.
What happens at the end of the ‘Live More’ pilot?
At the end of the pilot, we’ll chat with you and your family about how things have gone and what you’d like to do next. If you’ve enjoyed the support, the Shared Lives Oldham team will through the options for continuing support. If you agree, we’ll also use what you’ve told us to help shape the future of Shared Lives for people with dementia, so your experience can make a difference for others.
Will taking part affect any benefits I receive?
No. Taking part in this pilot will not affect any benefits you receive. The support is fully funded, and there are no payments made to you that would change your entitlement. If you ever have concerns, the Shared Lives Oldham team can point you towards independent advice to give you extra peace of mind.
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‘Live More’ is supported by the Accelerating Reform Fund and delivered in partnership with Shared Lives Plus, the ten Directors of Adult Social Care, and Greater Manchester’s transformation programme.
Gary, Emma and Andy share the best day at Wembley! June 2, 2025
Oldham Athletic Promoted
If you’re a football fan, you’ll likely know by now that Oldham Athletic were promoted back into the English Football League after a dramatic victory in the National League play-off.
They came from behind in extra-time to beat Southend United 3-2!
What a result, and what a day for the fans that made the trip to London. Amongst that crowd of nearly 21,000 Latics fans was Gary, who was at Wembley Stadium alongside his Shared Lives Carers, Emma and Andy.
“I think this has been the best day of my life!”
Those were Gary’s words after an incredible day.
It started with a long coach-journey, followed by some time meeting up with old friends and making new ones in and around the stadium.
Then came the big match…
Of course footy matches usually last 90 minutes, but this one lasted 120 minutes plus stoppage time, and felt like a lot longer! The final whistle was worth the wait though, and sharing this moment with each other and so many other fans meant the world to Gary, Emma and Andy.
There was so much joy on the way home after such a big build-up, and years of following Latics through thick and thin. Part of the build-up for Gary was designing some banners with friends at the MILES@Ena Day Service, and being part of a pre-match video featuring people from across MioCare, who wanted to wish the team well.
Gary would highly recommend you watch that video, and while you’re at it, search out the match highlights which have been on repeat in his Shared Lives household!
“Come on, Oldham!”
Recruiting with purpose – Hamza steps up to the panel May 2, 2025
Recruiting with purpose – Hamza steps up to the panel
MioCare’s #FutureFocus strategy for 2024-27 brings together our mission, values and goals.
Our mission: Supporting people to get the most out of life
Our values: Inclusive, Dedicated, Collaborative, Aspirational
You can read more about our goals elsewhere on our website, but we wanted to briefly highlight the first of those…
Our first goal: People we support at the heart of everything
Recently, we advertised for a new Senior Care Coordinator in our Shared Lives Oldham team. Our colleague Karen (who currently carries out that role) is retiring after an amazing 41 years working in MioCare’s and Oldham Council’s social care services. We’ll miss her, and it’s important that we get another fantastic person to fill her shoes!
In order to find that person, it’s crucial that we include people we support in the recruitment process, and we had the perfect candidate for this…
Welcome to the interview panel, Hamza!
Hamza is currently in a long-term Shared Lives arrangement with Shared Lives Carer, Eddie. If you keep an eye on our website or social media, you’ll have seen photos of them enjoying life here in their hometown…
Karen explained the recruitment process to Hamza who was eager to learn. With some support, he wrote his own questions for the interviewees he would meet over the course of two days, and even had a practice run at asking those questions with Jannine, another member of the Shared Lives Oldham team.
He was a key person on the panel which also consisted of the scheme’s Registered Manager, Katie, and one of MioCare’s Service Director’s, Diane.
Katie said the following…
“Hamza introduced himself to the candidates, and completely unprompted said…
“Good morning, I’m Hamza and I’m part of the Shared Lives family!”
A confident start. Katie continued…
“To me it showed that we’re getting things right, and that Hamza really does feel involved in the scheme and how it operates. We want to continue to do better though, and make sure that the people we support at MioCare are fully involved in the decision-making and design of services. Hamza gave us a different viewpoint, and as someone in a long-term Shared Lives arrangement it was brilliant to have his insight.”
Finally, we talked to Hamza to ask how he’d found the experience…
“Shared Lives has supported me for about nine years, and I felt proud and happy to help! It was my first time interviewing someone. It was fantastic, and I would definitely do it all again.”
Well done and thank you, Hamza!
‘My Life, My View’ – Shared Lives Oldham March 28, 2025
‘My Life, My View’ – Shared Lives Oldham
“The support I receive makes me feel welcome, nice and safe!”
It’s been brilliant to host the Shared Lives ‘My View’ days this week at the MioCare Group HQ in Failsworth.
People have told us how they feel about their lives and where they live, answering questions regarding their support, their community activities, and management of their health and money.
A big thank you to everyone who came along to share your time and views with us.
It’s always great to see you all and hear your reflections on the service, your ongoing Shared Lives matches and many other things too.
Better bowels and body checks: Catching cancer early for people with a learning disability June 17, 2024
Better bowels and body checks: Catching cancer early for people with a learning disability
A big thank you to Pennine Care’s Community Learning Disability Team who recently got together with Shared Lives Oldham to run two awareness sessions around cancer screening.
Alongside their Shared Lives Carers, Tara, Graham and others learnt how to complete at-home bowel cancer tests and how to check for early signs of cancer.
People with learning disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to have health problems, with cancer as a leading cause of death. But they are less likely to recognise the early signs or attend cancer screening appointments.
The recent sessions focused on how to spot the signs testicular, cervical, breast and bowel cancer. The latter is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 43,000 people diagnosed every year.
Marie, a Senior Learning Disability Nurse, explained…
“We know that people with a learning disability experience significant health inequalities, particularly around cancer. So, it’s really important we support them to spot the signs the early.
During the first session we practised completing an at-home bowel screening test using a chocolate truffle mixture. It was really effective as it demonstrated how easy, quick and simple it is to do.
Our men’s health session focused how to properly check for signs of testicular cancer. The women focused on cervical cancer, breast cancer and the screening processes, to try and take away fear of the unknown. We also talked about looking after our general health and wellbeing, and what support is available.”
Both groups gave positive feedback, with attendee Peter saying…
“It was very interesting and I learnt a lot about my health. I’m now a lot more confident about what to regularly check for.”
Cheryl added…
“It was great. I learnt things about my body that I didn’t know before!”
Gary, Emma and Andy introduce Shared Lives Oldham on Channel 4 News August 4, 2023
Gary, Emma and Andy introduce Shared Lives Oldham on Channel 4 News
We’re so proud of Gary and his Shared Lives Carers Emma and Andy, after their appearance on Channel 4 News!
We introduced them in 2016 and they’ve been living a fantastic shared life ever since.
The news item aimed to shine a light on different models of care and support for ageing people with learning disabilities. And that’s raising new questions about how to provide the care they need as they age.
Watch footage from their appearance on the Channel 4 News YouTube channel, as Ruben Reuter reports on new ways being found to offer appropriate support as people’s care needs change over a lifetime.
A big thank you to Ruben and the C4 crew, and of course to our TV stars Gary, Emma and Andy who did brilliantly!
“Life is better shared”
