Shared Lives Scheme

As part of Shared Lives week 2022 we will be sharing stories from our amazing shared lives families across Herefordshire.

Simone and her husband, Maurice, originally looked at fostering children but during a conversation with a friend they found out about the Shared Lives scheme. Simone and her daughter, Courtney, already had a background in care work so they contacted the team at the council for more information. They are now just one of a number of highly valued families offering a safe and loving home to vulnerable adults in Herefordshire.

Paul, aged 30, has been living with the Gibbs family for a short time but there has already been a notable difference in his overall health and wellbeing.

Paul said, “I spent 2 years living alone in a flat and it was really difficult, especially during lockdown. I stayed with Simone and Maurice several times on a trial through the Shared Lives scheme to make sure it was the right home for me.

“Since moving in I’ve been eating properly and looking after myself better and my mental health has really improved. I still get to see my own family which is really important to me and I speak to my mum every night on the phone. I’ve even bought myself a pool table when I moved in. It feels like I’ve got my life back!”

Simone said: “Paul has settled in really well and because he had stayed with us several times previously, when he did move in it was really easy. He’s now like part of the family.

“He helps out at the community farm and he volunteers in Hereford twice a week. He helps out on our own family farm carrying out small jobs that have been risk assessed and are safe for him to do. He’s also been on several shopping trips with us to get himself some new clothes and furniture for his bedroom. Paul’s life has changed a lot and he’s definitely looking forward to a much brighter future now.”

Jane Gill from Clehonger made enquiries through the council after hearing about Shared Lives from a friend who was already working as part of the scheme.

Lindsay has been living with Jane since February and is enjoying life with her new family.

Lindsay said: “I’ve settled in really well since moving in. I love being with a family. I’m still able to live independently and carry on with all of my interests. I’m not sure where I would be without Jane - I’m so much happier now.”

Jane added: “I hadn’t really had any experience of working in care before I got in touch with the Shared Lives Team. I just felt that I could care for others by giving them a stable home and more of a life and I could do it while working from home.

“If anyone is looking to join the Shared Lives scheme I would say it can be challenging at times but it’s extremely rewarding to be able to provide someone with a better life. The Shared Lives Team are on hand if I need advice and they’ve been really supportive since I became part of the scheme.”