Our stories
Hear from those directly involved about what it means to them.
Jane's experience
“As a Shared Lives Carer, it means I share my life and my family with vulnerable adults who need care and support.”
“Day to day we provide support and accommodation for two gentlemen who live at home with us, they’re 62 and 56.”
“We provide their meals and at weekends we take them out socially to restaurants and for pub meals, or to seminars, school, community groups and anywhere else really.”
“My role is to encourage independent living skills, so things like keeping their own bedrooms and bathrooms clean and tidy. We support them to do it obviously, but it’s the encouragement that’s important.”
Read Jane's full experience on the North Tyneside Care Academy website.
Jade and Adam's experience
Among those making an incredible impact are Jade and Adam, currently two of the youngest Shared Lives Carers in the borough.
Their decision to take on the role was inspired by Jade’s Nana, who was a Shared Lives Carer for many years.
Seeing the joy and purpose the role brought to her Nana’s life encouraged them to explore it too, and they now support Jo and Lisa, who live with them as part of their family.
Jade and Adam say it’s “fantastic” how naturally Jo and Lisa have fitted into their lives. They enjoy many of the same things, from trips into the city centre for a drink and a dance, to nights in watching horror films, holidays away, and cosy days relaxing at home.
Diane's experience
It’s a career she says has ‘completely enhanced her life’ and something that she wishes she had known about earlier. When asked about what makes it so special, Diane said: “Supporting the clients that live with me have meaningful and fulfilling lives, seeing them develop, gain confidence and enjoy many new experiences is so rewarding.”
Read Diane's full story on the North Tyneside Care Academy website.