A Scorrier-based charity supporting adults with care needs has celebrated its 20th anniversary this month.

Shared Lives South West specialises in helping people with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill health and dementia. It matches the person with support needs with one of its approved and trained carers.

Those who use its services live or have a break in the home of one of its carers. The care model is likened to adult fostering, with the main focus on maintaining and promoting the person’s independence.

Currently rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the organisation operates across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. More than 280 carers support 450 people through the scheme, overseen by a staff team of more than 40.

“This anniversary marks a significant milestone for us, and we're thrilled to celebrate it throughout the year,” said SLSW CEO Dominic Spayne. “We have exciting meet-ups lined up for Shared Lives Week in June, bringing together households, staff and the broader Shared Lives community.

“Our journey has seen remarkable growth and we have evolved to include more services and counties, collaborating closely with local authorities to deliver high-quality, person-centered services.

“We strive to create meaningful, positive impacts on the lives of those we support, a commitment we uphold every day.”