How Shared Lives helped Norman build new friendships
When people hear about Shared Lives, they often imagine someone moving into a carer's home full-time. But Shared Lives can be much more flexible than that.
For Norman, it means spending time each week with his Shared Lives carer, Sarah, building confidence, trying new activities and staying connected to the people around him.
Shared Lives is a council-run, CQC-regulated service that matches adults who need support with trained carers. Support can take many forms, including long-term arrangements, short breaks and day support.
Norman has been supported through Shared Lives for many years and has seen a huge difference in his life during that time. Through Shared Lives, he has developed new friendships, taken part in community activities and even received an award in recognition of his work helping care for outdoor spaces.
Every Saturday, Norman visits Sarah for day support. Together, they spend time taking part in activities and finding new opportunities in the community.
One of those opportunities was a 12-week outdoor programme that helped Norman learn new skills and meet new people. During the programme, he took part in activities including hiking, picnics and walks with others.
When the programme came to an end, Sarah wanted to make sure the friendships Norman had built didn't end there too.
Norman said:
I never had a turn (seizure) while on the outdoor course. I felt sad when the course was ending. I was going to miss the new friends I made. I was glad they wanted to meet up again on Saturdays with my Shared Lives carer. I enjoy going to cafes or going for walks with them.
Sarah saw first-hand the difference those regular activities and friendships made.
She said:
The weekly safe base and activity in the woods, with the same people returning, made a positive impact on Norman's mental health. This created a relational bond and was maintained long-term with a monthly social meet up. Norman now has friends in his own peer/age group.
Sarah continues to look for new opportunities and activities they can enjoy together, helping Norman stay active, connected and involved in his community.
Stories like Norman and Sarah's show that Shared Lives is about much more than care. It's about helping people build confidence, make friends, try new things and live fuller lives.
Could you become a Shared Lives carer?
Not all Shared Lives carers provide full-time support. Some offer day support, helping people get out into their community, take part in activities and build independence.
You don't need professional care experience to get started. Full training and ongoing support are provided, and there are different ways to get involved depending on the type of support you'd like to offer.
If you'd like to make a difference in someone's life while building meaningful relationships along the way, Shared Lives could be right for you.
To find our more email sharedlives@wirral.gov.ukor visit Shared Lives.
