Friend of the Year: Anura Sarathchandra
ANURA SARATHCHANDRA is a friend indeed to those in need.
The 59-year-old father-ofthree is a member of Shared Lives, a scheme run by Kirklees Council, who recruit carers to support adults with additional needs ranging from people with learning or physical disabilities to those with mental health needs, the elderly or people living with dementia and their families.
Anura, who used to be a learning disabilities nurse and then manager, has been in the role for two years and invites the people he cares for into his home, offering a safe place of refuge in emergency situations instead of them going into care homes.
This can be if relationships at the family home have broken down or the person would be better removed from the home for the sake of their own mental health and wellbeing. In some cases, it provides much-needed respite for the person’s carers.
Anura, who lives with wife, Sara, and a Shared Lives service user at Taylor Hill, was nominated by Laura Bettison, from Shared Lives, who said: “By offering them a safe place to stay, Anura gives them the security and peace of mind they need.
“He goes above and beyond to help them learn essential life skills, money management, gain understanding gentleman.” Anura said: “My previous experiences in supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health issues inspired me to become a Shared Lives volunteer. I am proud to be a support to people who are in need of help, care, safety, guidance, friend, family and a home.”