Our Shared Lives carers provide support in their own homes to adults with a learning disability or additional support needs. This support can be provided on a full-time, short break or day support basis depending on our Shared Lives carers’ availability and preferences, as well as the identified needs of the individual being supported. 

Heather who is supported by Shared Lives, has shared her story explaining the difference it has made to her life.

"Hello, my name is Heather Thomson. I have been staying with my Shared Lives family for over five years. I stay with my Shared Lives carer Andrea and her five children who are all younger than me. They all keep me on my toes but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Before coming into Shared Lives, I was a little nervous going into a family because for most of my life, I have been in care. Moving to different families was difficult because I never had the chance of a real family connection and felt as if I was just a foster child and not a part of the family.

At age 16–19 my life was going to change forever, I was being prepared to move into my own house as I was now classed as an adult. Having been in care from a young age and being moved around a lot I never had a role model to be able to teach the basics of how to look after myself or how to cope with my own house.

I felt as if I had no choice and went along with any decision being made. As the housing forms were being filled in, my anxiety grew as I knew this was something I wasn’t ready for.

Now, five years later I can happily say that, through Shared Lives, I have found my forever family; Andrea has been the mother figure in my life that I have needed, she has taught me skills for life but most importantly how to be independent and confident.

Since being with the family it’s the little things I love the most from sitting as a family at dinner or helping the children with their homework. Together we have been on amazing family holidays like Spain and I had my wish come true when we went to Disneyland in Florida."

If you think you may be able to support someone in this unique and rewarding role, please get in touch. To find out more click here or contact the team by email on [email protected]