IT IS celebrations all round at the Kingsteignton-based charity Shared Lives South West, after its chief executive scooped a national award.

Teignmouth’s Jane Bell, who is at the helm of the charity, attended the Great British Care Awards in Birmingham and walked away with the Care Innovator award for her work leading and championing a care model to support parents with a learning disability.

The judges said: ‘It was a very clear decision.

‘Jane moved us greatly with her passion and commitment to find ways to keep people with a learning disability and their children together.’

Jane received her award at the gala dinner award ceremony attended by more than 1,000 people.

She was presented with her award by actor and TV personality Christopher Biggins.

‘The real tribute should be to all our carers who offer support for parents and their children,’ Jane said.

‘Shared Lives is already a big ask, and taking on the extra responsibility of sharing their home with babies and toddlers as well as the mums and dads who need specific parenting support is another step.’

The charity offers adults a place to stay with built-in care and support, but unlike in traditional care settings, people who use the service have a ‘home from home’ experience, living or staying with a carer as part of their family.

This support has now been extended to vulnerable parents and their babies and has been pioneered by the charity.