Kirkby-on-Bain couple join scheme to support people with disabilities and mental illness

William, 51, said: “I found out about ASA and the services they provide through my position as a District Councillor and later more so in my work with Penderels Trust.

“I was drawn towards the role as I had been a family carer, so personally recognise the need for the right support and my portfolio as a Councillor involves providing services for vulnerable adults.

“After a discussion with my wife, we made contact with ASA and so began a very lengthy but thorough assessment of our suitability to become providers.”

Mandy, 48, added: “We felt really involved during the assessment process and I would encourage anyone considering such a role to give ASA a call.

“It’s so rewarding and I can say that after our first respite arrangement recently, it was far more than we expected.”

ASA Operations Manager, Dean Barnshaw, said: “ASA have been providing social care support within the community for 25 years now and close to 80 clients benefit from such long term and respite/short breaks arrangements throughout the whole of Lincolnshire.

“Across the UK, there are approximately 12,000 Shared Lives arrangements and it continues to grow year on year as local authorities look for viable alternatives to residential and hospital care.

“William and Mandy are the first of a number of new providers that are being approved this year and we value their commitment to the service, for which you are remunerated.”

If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives Provider then call ASA on 01529 416270 or visit their website at: www.asaorg.co.uk