A family from Southampton have spent more than a decade helping support adults with disabilities as part of a council scheme.

Karen Richards, 52, began life as a Shared Lives carer twelve years ago, having already had a career in the care industry.

In that time, she’s welcomed seven people into her home – three still live with her – while her daughter Maxine, 33, has followed in her mum’s footsteps, enrolling into the scheme, and youngest daughter Paige, 25, has also become a support carer.

“It’s like fostering but for adults,” said Karen.

Run by Southampton City Council, the initiative sees individuals and families provide care in their home for up to three people with disabilities, aged 18 and over.

The scheme is designed for carers to help those in need with daily tasks – such as dressing and meal preparation – learning new skills, building new friendships, budgeting, medication administration, and personal care, all whilst living under the same roof.

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“We grew up with it,” said Paige. “It was just totally normal to us as a family.”

Maxine added: “You can see the day-to-day impact the scheme has, it can be life-changing – both for you and the people you’re helping, who really do become a part of the family.”

“The scheme probably isn’t that well-known, it’s not something you see advertised around the city, but it would be great to see more people get involved and I’m really proud of Maxine and Paige for the work that they’ve done.” said Karen.

“It’s incredibly rewarding – like all jobs there are good days and bad – but you make memories for life.

“There will be lots of people in Southampton who have benefited from the scheme and plenty more who are waiting,” she added.

“We’ve been on holidays together – I even took up Taekwondo with Paul, who lives with me as part of the initiative – and it’s something I never thought I’d do but we’ve been able to bond together over it.”