“I used to get anxiety but I don’t now because I’m so supported.”
This is Laura. She’s 23, lives in Leasowe and she is supported by a Shared Lives carer.
Shared Lives, a council-run service, matches carers with people who need support. That care can be living in the carer's home or elsewhere – whatever works best for each situation.
Laura needs support and guidance with everyday activities and large decisions.
Laura said:
I was in care throughout my childhood. I had my own baby and was living in a hotel at the time when one of my advocates told me about Shared Lives. My baby was adopted and I moved in with a Shared Lives carer.
Laura currently lives with Tracey and Scott, who work as Shared Lives carers. It can be scary moving into a new living situation but after six months, she’s settling in nicely.
Laura said:
I was quiet at first, but when I got to know them I was chatty and came out of my shell.
Shared Lives carers and the people they support often become close, like a family. They can even go on holidays together.
Laura said:
I enjoy it, it’s like they’re my mum and dad-in-law, they’re not your blood but I enjoy living here. I go to Cardiff to see their extended family and we’re going away in October on a cruise!
The benefits are clear to see as Laura is thriving and has aspirations for her future career. Has Shared Lives helped her? Laura thinks so.
Laura said:
Shared Lives has helped me a lot with my confidence. I used to get anxiety when I went out on my own but I don’t now because I’m so supported. They supported me in college to do animal care – this is my last month in college – I want to work with animals.
Laura says she would recommend the service to anyone who needs this kind of support.
Laura said:
You’re with a family that will love you as their own, they help you with loads of stuff.
Laura's Shared Lives carer, Tracey, said:
We are super proud of Laura and how much she has achieved in a short time.
Laura has excelled with her independence, cooking and doing her own washing. Laura really would like to be a Shared Lives carer one day and she would be brilliant at it.
Shared Lives helps a wide range of people who need support to live independent lives, including:
- adults with learning disabilities
- adults with autism
- adults who experience mental health problems
- people with physical disability
- people with sensory impairment
- older people including people with dementia
- young adults transitioning from Children’s Services
Shared Lives placements can be long or short term, short breaks only or day support.
If you think you could benefit from support with a Shared Lives carer, or you might like to become one, you can:
- Find more information on the Council’s website here.
- Contact the team by email at sharedlives@wirral.gov.uk.
