A long‑serving Oxfordshire Shared Lives couple have been invited to Buckingham Palace today (6 May) in recognition of more than two decades of exceptional dedication to caring for a woman with learning disabilities.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme supports adults who need extra help to live well by sharing ordinary family homes and communities.

Alison and Larry Garrad, who lived in Oxfordshire for many years and now reside in Bristol, have supported Lin Tai (“Linny”) as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme since 2002, but their connection with her stretches back much further.

Linny first joined the Clack family at just seven days old, fostered by Alison’s parents. Alison grew up as Linny’s big sister, with the family supporting her to develop skills and independence that specialists once believed might not be possible.

When Eileen and Bob retired from caring in 2002, Alison and Larry stepped forward to ensure Linny could remain with the family she had always known.

At that time, Linny would only speak to Eileen, communicating with everyone else through sounds. Through patience, love and familiarity, she went on to speak with Alison and Larry too.

For the past 24 years, Linny has enjoyed a full and vibrant family life with Alison and Larry and their now‑adult children.

The family have travelled widely together – including regular stretches in the United States when Larry’s work required him to live overseas. As a result, Linny has visited all but three US states, embracing new experiences and building confidence along the way.

Day to day life has been just as meaningful, with Linny enjoying podcasts and audiobooks, a passion for ventriloquists, and growing confidence through swimming, snorkelling and clearer verbal communication.

Now in her fifties, Linny recently took a hugely positive step towards greater independence. In February, she moved into supported living accommodation with full‑time carers and four other residents. She settled in with her trademark resilience and enthusiasm.

For Alison and Larry, who are beginning to think about their own retirement from Shared Lives caring, the transition has been emotional, but they take comfort in knowing they remain an important part of Linny’s life, spending weekends and family time together.

Alison said: “We never set out to do anything remarkable, we simply wanted Linny to remain part of the family who loved her. Watching her grow, learn and experience the world has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.

“Although supporting her move to independent living has been hard for us, we are incredibly proud of her and grateful that we can continue sharing weekends and family time together.

“Being invited to Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, but the real privilege has been having Linny in our lives.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Alison and Larry represent everything that makes Shared Lives so special. Their love, commitment and belief in what Linny could achieve have helped her to live a full, meaningful and connected life for more than two decades.

“Their story shows the power of ordinary families doing extraordinary things, and we are delighted that their dedication is being recognised at Buckingham Palace.”

Carers like Alison and Larry open their lives and households to adults who benefit from consistent, personalised support rooted in stability and shared family life.

Find out more about Shared Lives in Oxfordshire and how to get involved.

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Oxfordshire Shared Lives carer Jawaid Malik has been declared High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, in recognition of decades of public service and commitment to supporting people across the county.

Jawaid, who lives in Oxford, has spent many years serving others through both his professional and voluntary roles, including his long‑standing work as a Shared Lives carer alongside his wife, Rahat.

The couple began their Shared Lives journey in 2004 after responding to a local newspaper advert seeking carers for a young person who needed a long‑term home.

In 2005, they welcomed that young person into their busy family home, where they remain today, now approaching the age of 40.

In 2013, Jawaid and Rahat extended their care further, welcoming another person into their household and continuing their commitment to providing a safe and supportive home environment.

Over more than two decades, Jawaid and Rahat have been consistently described as kind, gracious and unwavering in their advocacy for the people they support.

Their whole family has played a role in this journey. Their adult children have always been closely involved, and their daughter, Sana, went on to become a Shared Lives carer herself, supporting her parents and continuing the family’s caring legacy.

The people Rahat and Jawaid support attend a local Community Support Service, whose staff have spoken warmly about the impact the couple have had, describing the genuine love and care they show as being “as if they are their own family”.

Alongside her role as a Shared Lives carer, Rahat also worked as a teaching assistant at her local primary school. She retired earlier this year but remains keen to find new ways to help others.

Jawaid continues his work as a Magistrate, following a long history of involvement in community groups and community development in East Oxford.

Reflecting on being declared High Sheriff, Jawaid said: “It is humbling and a real honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve local residents.

“Supporting people and giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what my family and I do, and I’m proud to be able to continue that service in this role.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff is richly deserved.

“His long‑standing commitment to supporting people through Shared Lives, alongside his wider public service, perfectly reflects the values of compassion, community and leadership that this role represents.”

The High Sheriff is a ceremonial officer in each county of England and Wales, representing the King in matters of law and order.

The role is largely symbolic and focuses on supporting the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and local communities.

High Sheriffs are involved in a wide range of community and civic activities, including attending public events, supporting voluntary and charitable organisations, and promoting local causes. The role is held for one year, running from April to the following April.

Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff recognises not only his formal public service, but also the quieter, long‑term commitment shown through opening his home and family life to others – reflecting the values at the heart of the Shared Lives scheme.

Oxfordshire County Council is always looking to recruit more Shared Lives carers. Read more about Shared Lives and how you can get involved.

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Lyn Lacey, a dedicated Oxfordshire carer for more than 27 years, was invited to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen at a reception at Windsor Castle yesterday (Wednesday 11 February 2026).

Now aged 77 and living in Banbury, Lyn has spent nearly three decades opening her home and her heart to support others.

The reception, hosted by the King and Queen, shone a light on carers and their contributions to health and social care in the United Kingdom.

Shared Lives is where an adult or young person needing support is matched with a carefully approved Shared Lives carer by their local scheme. That relationship creates a stable foundation, connections in their community and a sense of belonging.  

People typically supported by Shared Lives include those with learning disabilities, care leavers, people with dementia, and people who need short term support, such as during mental ill health or after a hospital stay.

Oxfordshire County Council funds and supports the Shared Lives scheme locally, working with Shared Lives Plus, a UK membership charity and national network that supports Shared Lives schemes, to ensure carers like Lyn have the resources and guidance they need to make a difference.

Lyn’s invitation follows recent recognition at the Shared Lives Plus Awards, where she and the people she supports were named Highly Commended in November 2025. Shared Lives Plus were so impressed by Lyn’s dedication that she was at the top of their list when considering who should attend the reception.

Lyn was accompanied by her Shared Lives Social Worker, Nikki Oleksiw. Her son, Adam Lacey – originally approved to support Lyn and now a Shared Lives carer in his own right for the past 20 years – was also in attendance, representing how the next generation is continuing the Shared Lives model.

Across 27 years and six months as a Shared Lives carer, Lyn has provided both short term and long term arrangements, and currently supports three young men who have lived with her for several years.

A qualified nurse, former care home manager, midwife and magistrate, Lyn brings compassion, structure and resilience to her role.

She treats those she supports as family, advocating with professionals, supporting day to day appointments and creating opportunities to live happy, fulfilling lives. That includes adventurous holidays such as trips to South Africa and Barbados that expand horizons, alongside encouragement to find employment and pursue personal goals.

Lyn said: “It’s a real honour to care for people with different needs and to provide compassion and stability in their lives. Shared Lives is a fantastic way to achieve this, and carers deserve recognition for the work they do.

“It’s a team effort with our social workers. Choices matter, and helping people take part in their community, enjoy work and have a sense of purpose is so important.

“There are challenges, but with great support we overcome them together. I hope the love and positivity we share will inspire others to join our amazing Shared Lives family.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Lyn embodies the very best of Shared Lives: compassion and the belief that everyone should have the chance to thrive in their community.

“Her decades of dedication have changed lives, and it’s fantastic to see Oxfordshire’s carers recognised on the national stage.

“My heartfelt thanks to Lyn, Adam and all our Shared Lives families for the difference they make every day.”

Oxfordshire County Council is always looking to recruit more Shared Lives carers. Read more about Shared Lives and how you can get involved.

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Kym and Roger Garnett are much like any other Oxfordshire couple. They live on a quiet road in Banbury, in a spacious well kept house.

But for the last 27 years, the Garnetts have been part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives programme, seeing them open their home to adults with additional care needs, offering them a place to stay and grow their independence.

And at a ceremony last night (Tuesday 29 April) at Frilford Heath Golf Club near Abingdon, Kym and Roger were given an award celebrating their long service by Oxfordshire County Council Chief Executive, Martin Reeves.

Martin said: “For almost three decades Kym and Roger have selflessly opened their home to offer adults with additional needs a place to live happily and independently.

“The difference they have made to the people they have shared their lives with should not be underestimated and it is a privilege to be able to celebrate their kindness and dedication with them.”

Roger and Kym became Shared Lives carers in June 1998. Roger had previously been employed as a support worker with the NHS learning disability team and has many years of experience supporting adults with additional needs, with a specialism for people with autism.

They are able to support up to three people at any one time, for long and short-term stays as well as providing accommodation for adults needing immediate support with little notice period.

Martin added: “Kym and Roger have been able to offer tailored support for people when they have needed it most. Whether that was a fixed place to stay to give someone the continuity they needed or a roof over their head when a person found themselves in immediate need, the Garnetts have opened their door and welcomed them in.”

Kym and Roger are both advanced first aiders and have significant support from the county council’s Shared Lives team, ensuring they have the latest guidance and training.

On receiving the award, Roger said: “Shared Lives is a very special programme. While there are some challenging times, we get just as much from the scheme as the people living with us.

“We learn from each other and laugh with each other and it is a real joy to see the people staying with us grow their independence.”

Roger and Kym have also been shortlisted for a long-term service award at next month’s Oxfordshire Care Awards. The event recognises excellence in the region’s care sector, with the ceremony taking place at Blenheim Palace on Tuesday 6 May.

Shared Lives plays an important role in the council’s Oxfordshire Way vision, by supporting people to live happily and independently withing their communities, reducing the need for more formal care.

Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. You can earn up to £500 a week by supporting someone at home and fit it around your life and work commitments.

If you think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or calling 01865 897971.

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After 30 years, with retirement on the horizon, Sue was honoured at last week’s Oxfordshire Care Awards, winning the trophy for long service.

Sue joined Shared Lives back in 1993 alongside her late husband Tim. The scheme is run by Oxfordshire County Council and matches caring households with adults who have additional care needs, offering them a place to stay and grow their independence.

In that time, Sue has supported more than 30 people, welcoming them into her home and offering them any additional support that they might need.

Sue was nominated for the long service award by Kerry Coleman. Kerry works in Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives team to support people involved in the programme.

Kerry said: “Sue has a big heart and encourages everyone who she supports to be as independent as they can be, but she knows when to step in and help when they need it.”

“Sue has dedicated just over 30 years of her life to being a Shared Lives carer and I feel she deserves the award as she has done such a fantastic job with great humour and grace.”

Sue and her family have featured in a number of campaigns encouraging other people to become Shared Lives carers. Her son and daughter in law, Sam and Abbie Clayton, are also part of the programme.

The scheme is an important part of the council’s Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and independently within their own communities for as long as possible.

Sue said: “It’s been an interesting 30 years! I would recommend this to other people, and I often do. It’s kept me young! I would urge even more people to come forward and get involved.”

As Sue now takes a step back from the Shared Lives scheme and enjoys her retirement, Oxfordshire County Council is looking for more people to join the programme.

Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. You can earn up to £500 a week by supporting someone at home and fit it around your life and work commitments.

If you think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or calling 01865 897971

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives programme and Age UK Oxfordshire’s Homeshare project stand to benefit from the first round of funding from the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF).

In announcing the first round of funding, Helen Whately MP, Minister for Health and Social Care, visited Shared Lives carer, Sarah Rees, who has been part of the Oxfordshire County Council programme since 2020.

Based in Grove, Sarah offers a place to stay for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.

She welcomes adults into her home for short-term and emergency stays, as well as more long-term arrangements, supporting people to live as independently as possible within a family setting.

Sarah said: “Being part of Shared Lives has given me the chance to meet some incredible people.

“It’s important that people feel like they’re part of the family when they stay with us. This can be as easy as taking our dog, Hugo, for a walk in the park. That sense of normality can be just what people need to really put them at ease.

“Sometimes the support offered in more formal settings just doesn’t work for people. They just don’t seem to fit. But everyone fits in Shared Lives.”

During her visit, Helen Whately MP also met three people who regularly stay with Sarah and who benefit from the welcoming, family environment she offers.

Sammy, who has been staying on a more long-term basis, said: “Since living at Sarah’s house, it’s always been like a home to me. Sarah is the most incredible Shared Lives carer, she always does a perfect job, looking after people for however long they’re with her.

“I am always encouraged to be independent. I often cook and bake for the household. The relationship we all have with Sarah is really special – we even made her a cake for Mother’s Day!”

In addition to Shared Lives, Age UK Oxfordshire will also be supported to expand their Homeshare programme with funding from the ARF.

The pioneering housing project gives different generations the support they need to help each other. It pairs up older people who may be looking for some additional help or simply some company, with a person prepared to offer that help alongside an affordable place to stay.

Marian Pocock, Homeshare Oxfordshire’s Service Manager, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the ARF. It will give us the much-needed additional resource to be able to expand our Homeshare service across the county, bringing support and peace of mind to older people on the one hand, and a welcoming home to people seeking affordable accommodation on the other.”

As a service of Age UK Oxfordshire, Homeshare Oxfordshire is well placed to link participants into other services that the charity offers, such as advice and information, exercise classes and bereavement support groups.

Joan Williams is 92 years old and is a current householder with Homeshare Oxfordshire. Joan said: “Aušra coming to live with me has worked out very well. We just get on so well. She’s busy and I’m busy so we have our own lives and are not together a lot of the time, but we might watch something interesting on TV together, talk about the day, and we make each other laugh. We tease each other. Actually, I consider her my niece!

“It's very helpful to have help in the kitchen too and help with things like putting out the bins. My main problem is balance and it’s nice to know that someone else is around, and especially just to know there is someone in the house at night. As we both use WhatsApp, if Aušra’s in town I can ask her to get something – things like that are really helpful.”

The Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF)

The ARF is released in two rounds of funding, with another tranche due to be received in September 2024.

Oxfordshire County Council led on the consortium of local authorities included in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West integrated care system and secured an initial £469,841 for the region.

From this combined pot, approximately £150,000 will fund the development of programmes in Oxfordshire that build on the council’s Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and independently within their own communities.

Further funding has been identified for work to better support unpaid carers, as well as towards self-help and prevention activities, supporting people to live well without the need to call on more formal services.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Oxfordshire County Council coordinated the bid that has attracted significant funding to the south-east, enabling local authorities to add capacity to innovative social care programmes in the region.

“While any sort of funding is of course welcomed, it is important to emphasise that this is one-off funding for the year. With an ageing population with more complex care and support needs, it is crucial that central government refocuses its attention on social care reform, giving local authorities the tools to properly plan to support residents well into the future.

"On the steps on Downing Street in 2019 we were promised reform that would 'fix social care once and for all'. Five years on and three prime ministers later and we are still operating with sporadic funding through small pots of money hypothecated for centrally determined initiatives.

“This isn't fixing social care or empowering the teams that have an intimate understand of what works best in their community.

“I’m proud that here in Oxfordshire we are still creating innovative projects, managing our money to ensure good outcomes for residents. However, this is not sustainable long-term.”

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Margaret Simpson, who’s 82, is a panel member for Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives scheme, helping to pair together caring households with adults with additional support needs, offering them a place to stay and grow their independence.

She also gives significant time to organisations that support older people and those suffering the effects of sight loss, including chairing the Oxford talking newspaper for the blind, Oxtalk, for 15 years.

Margaret said: “It is an unbelievable honour, which was hard to think of as real. But it is! When the letter arrived towards the end of November, I was absolutely astonished, but you can't tell anyone!

“I never thought I would receive an MBE. To be honoured for the work I have done and continue to do within the community makes it even more special and a privilege.”

Margaret has volunteered throughout her life, including working as a trustee for My Vision Oxfordshire, supporting the county council’s trading standard’s electric blanket safety checks and is a creative ambassador for Age UK Oxfordshire.

She has been working with Shared Lives for more than 15 years. At any one time, around 100 people are supported through the programme in Oxfordshire, which gives adults with care needs some additional support in a safe, caring family home.

It forms an important part of the council’s adult social care Oxfordshire Way vision, to support people to live happy, independent lives in their own communities.

Margaret continued: “I get so much out of my role with the Shared Lives team and I’m proud to be part of such a hard working, caring and committed team.

“I would encourage anyone who’s interested in taking up a voluntary role within their community to consider being either a carer or a Shared Lives panel member. It is certainly worth finding out more and if it is for you, then give it a go!”

Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. You can earn up to £500 a week by supporting someone at home and fit it around your life and work commitments.

If you think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or calling 01865 897971

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Shared Lives is a scheme run by Oxfordshire County Council that matches caring households with adults who have additional care needs, offering them a place to stay and grow their independence.

At any one time, around 100 people are supported through the programme in Oxfordshire. And last night, at Abingdon’s Drayton Golf Club, carers were celebrated for welcoming people into their homes for periods of 10, 20 and 30 years.

One of those receiving an award for 30 years of dedication to the shared lives scheme was Sue Clayton. Sue lives in a village on the outskirts of Wallingford and has supported more than 30 people during her time in the programme.

Sue said: “It’s been an interesting 30 years! I would recommend this to other people, and I often do. It’s kept me young! I would urge even more people to come forward and get involved.”

Rosemary Dean (pictured above) was also acknowledged for sharing 30 years of her life supporting others. Rosemary lives near Watlington and decided to take part in the scheme after adapting her home for a family member to move in. Having initially supported older people, she now supports younger people through Shared Lives as well.

Rosemary said: “Being a part of Shared Lives and literally extending our family to include the wonderful variety of people we have met over the years, has been a privilege. It has been very rewarding and an honour.” 

The evening celebrated 19 households in total, with awards handed out by senior leaders at Oxfordshire County Council including: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Tim Bearder; Chief Executive, Martin Reeves; Deputy Director of Adult Social Care, Victoria Baran and Executive Director of People, Stephen Chandler.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s been an absolute honour to be a part of the awards, celebrating some of our county’s most dedicated carers. I’ve seen first hand how  Shared Lives brings benefits not only to the adults being offered support, but also how the experience gives back to the carers who are opening up their homes. 

“Shared Lives is the epitome of our Oxfordshire Way vision – supporting people to live happy, independent lives in their own communities. I offer my thanks to everyone involved for making such a difference to people’s lives.”

Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. You can earn up to £500 a week by supporting someone at home and fit it around your life and work commitments.

If you think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or calling 01865 897971

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Sam grew up sharing his family home with people with additional needs through the shared lives scheme.

The innovative programme, run by Oxfordshire County Council, carefully matches adults with long term conditions with a caring household who can support them to live independently, often giving their full-time carers a chance to take a break.

And having seen what a positive experience the programme brought to his life, Sam and his wife Abbie, who are based near Wallingford in south Oxfordshire, wanted the same for their children.

Abbie said: “It’s great to have more people in the family. Rather than detracting from the children, it makes them appreciate diversity. It’s nice to see them growing up in an environment where they can provide that caring role as well. It really gives something back.”

Abbie and Sam have been shared lives carers for 17 years, helping to support eight people during that time. The paid position comes with regular ongoing support and training, enabling them to feel confident that they’re providing an environment for their guests to flourish.

Abbie continues: “The most rewarding thing is seeing people grow and develop into the people they become, pushing them that extra mile to really be independent and experience life as part of the family.

“We get as much training as we need, especially around recognising each person as an individual. We have really open communication with the shared lives team when we need it and other carers as well, so support is always available.”

As part of shared lives week, which runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 June, Oxfordshire County Council is hosting an event for people involved in the programme, celebrating the special relationships that have formed as a result of the scheme. There will also be a dedicated social media campaign during the week to encourage more people to consider becoming a shared lives carer.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Our shared lives programme forms an innovative part of our Oxfordshire Way vision, supporting people to live well and independently within their own communities for as long as possible.

“The Clayton family is making a real difference to the people who come and stay with them and it’s clear the experience is beneficial for everyone involved. This shared lives week I would like to thank all our shared lives carers for the time and dedication they give to the programme and the people they support.”

Shared lives carers come from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and live in all kinds of homes. If you are a naturally caring person and think you could support an adult with additional needs, you can find out more about the programme at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

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As a shared lives carer for Oxfordshire County Council, Sarah offers a place to stay for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own. 

Sarah’s been part of the council’s adult social care scheme since 2020 and has just been celebrated at the Oxfordshire Care Awards, winning the Josie Award for her work making “an exceptional difference to dignity in care.”

Shared lives matches someone who needs care with an approved carer like Sarah. The carer shares their family and community life and gives care and support to the person staying with them. Some people move in with their shared lives carer for a period of time, while others stay for regular short breaks.

Sarah said: “Winning at the care awards was a real honour, especially hearing the kind words of the people I support. Being part of shared lives has given me the chance to meet some incredible people. It’s so rewarding for me and my sons – I find it really rewarding on a day to day basis!”

She is currently supporting a young woman called Sammy. Sammy says: “Since living at Sarah’s house, it’s always been like a home to me. Sarah is the most incredible shared lives carer, she always does a perfect job looking after people for respite.

“I am really happy she’s my carer, as she keeps me smiling every day. I am really proud of her winning the award as she deserves to follow her dreams.”

A recurring theme in Sarah’s testimonials is her dog Hugo, who Sarah sees as a valuable member of her shared lives experience. Sarah says: “It’s important that when people stay with us they feel like they’re part of the family. This can be as easy as taking Hugo for a walk in the park.

“While it’s important people have a positive experience with us, that sense of normality can be just what people need to really put them at ease.”

Anyone can become a shared lives carer. There are varying levels of commitment from one-off respite stays to more permanent support. Some combine daytime and overnight visits.

Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Interim Director for Adult Social Care, said: “Shared lives is an important part of our Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and independently within their own communities for as long as possible.

“People like Sarah not only offer support to the people with additional needs, but also provide that important respite time for their family and friends who might support them on a more regular basis.

“I’m thrilled Sarah has been acknowledged at the care awards for her work and I hope her story inspires others to take part in the service.”

If you have a spare room, are kind and understanding, and have some time to support someone, you could become a shared lives carer too. Find out more at oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

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Linda Carnie, 71 came out top in the Long Service Award, which recognised her 17 years supporting adults with additional needs in the county.

A lifelong carer of both children and adults, Banbury resident Linda has kept in touch with nearly every individual she’s welcomed into her home through the scheme over near two decades.

Meanwhile, Chris and Les Harding were highly commended in the Josie Award section. The Josie Award looks to recognise any individual who is making an exceptional difference to dignity in care. Chris and Les, from Stanford in the Vale of White Horse, have been foster carers for many years as well as supporting young adults through the Shared Lives scheme.

The Oxfordshire Shared Lives programme, operated by Oxfordshire County Council, places people in a home setting, where care is provided by a family who share their lives with that person.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “I am thrilled by the recognition that our Shared Lives carers received at the recent OACP Awards.

“Those who take part in the scheme are truly inspirational people. They take people into their homes and care for them as part of their own family, helping to enable them to lead the lives they want to lead. We are all very proud of our Shared Lives service here in Oxfordshire.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives matches people who need additional support to be independent and live on their own, with carers and their families.

Residents  interested in finding out more about Shared Lives and how to get involved, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

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The retired couple have spent much of their lives since 2013 caring for others, whether it be their grandchildren, or for people like Jennifer, who need additional emotional and psychological support.

They have done this under the Shared Lives programme, where people open their lives and homes up to help those in need of support.

During this Shared Lives Week, Barbara (69) and John (71) are encouraging others to consider doing the same.

Barbara, who has lived in Abingdon her entire life, explained: “John and I have been part of Shared Lives for a number of years and it means so much to us to know and witness we are making a difference to Jennifer’s life.

“Jennifer has been part of our family since she was seven years old, when we first started to help her parents out after school a few days a week.”

When Jennifer turned 18, she had become such an integral part of the family, she decided to join the Shared Lives scheme.

“In her teenage years we were approached by her social worker regarding a long-term placement with us and we never hesitated in saying ‘yes’ as she had already become part of our family and would have been greatly missed,” Barbara continued.

“She brings so much joy and happiness and lights up our life – it’s the best feeling ever!”

With most things, there are some challenges, but these are nothing that the McGraths cannot handle, and support is always on hand from the Shared Lives team when needed..

Barbara added: “Of course, there have been minor challenges like how are we going to fit Jennifer and our grandchildren in the car? Being available to take her to activities and some health issues but these have all been overcome by planning and being organised but no more than you would expect having an extra member in our family.

“During lockdown as well, Jennifer was unable to go out and enjoy a lot of the activities she would normally do or see her friends. So, we looked to recreate her routine at home, including cooking, singing, gardening, and meeting up with her friends online.

“Difficulties have cropped up on occasions, but you get to know the person really well and know how to manage it but knowing support is always there from the Shared Lives team is comforting,” said Barbara.

When Jennifer was asked about living with Barbara and John, she had this to say: “You are funny, you take me to clubs. I like dinners at Barbara’s.”

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Those who take part in the scheme are absolutely incredible people. They take people into their homes and care for them as part of their own family. We are all very proud of our Shared Lives service here in Oxfordshire.

“I applaud the inspirational efforts of Barbara and John in opening up their home to Jennifer for all these years. It’s clear they have such a strong bond and are making a real difference to her life.”

Events will be taking place across the UK as part of Shared Lives Carer Week, organised by Shared Lives Plus, the UK charity, such as The Big Share in the open air. Instead of the usual tea parties, Shared Lives families and supporters are getting together to have a picnic in the open air to support current government guidance on COVID-19. Find out more about events going on throughout the week on the Shared Lives Plus website.

How you can become a Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. Whatever your circumstances, your application is welcomed.

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a person who needs support.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for people who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

The scheme offers different types of arrangements: 

• Day care - Supporting a person for a few hours per day but not overnight.
• Short breaks - Providing a short break for a person. This can be anything from one night to a few weeks at a time and may be a one-off or on a regular basis.
• Emergency care - When support is needed urgently, for example, the same or next day, without time for introductory visits.
• Long term care / permanent arrangement - When the plan is for a person to live long-term with a carer, that is, anything over three months.

Call the Oxfordshire Shared Lives scheme on 01865 897971 or visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives to find out more.

For Harris Ponen becoming a Shared Lives carer seemed like a natural step.

The driving instructor followed in the footsteps of both his parents and aunt, to join in the Shared Lives scheme at the end of 2018 and open his home to adults in need of emotional and practical support.

“I've been a Shared Lives carer since November 2018; my parents and aunty have been involved as carers for over 15 years,” said Oxford-based Harris.

“I wanted to make a difference to someone’s life as I've seen first hand how my mum has provided a home and a stimulating environment for people in need and the rewards and benefits that brings to everyone involved.”

Shared Lives is funded by Oxfordshire County Council and part of its commitment to help people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

There are currently 80 Shared Lives carer households providing support to about 130 adults in the county. They provide anything from occasional short breaks or daytime support through to a longer-term, full-time arrangements.

Harris explained: “Sharing a family’s life means that people who need support can choose to become part of an ordinary household, instead of staying in residential care or being looked after by a team of support workers. 

“People using the scheme make new friends, develop new skills and gain the confidence to be as independent as possible, helping to reduce isolation and allowing them to stay living independently for longer.”

It is a paid role, training and support are provided.  

Harris has been supporting Shaun since March 2020. He said: “Shaun has become part of my family and we all work and get on like clockwork. What’s rewarding about being a Shared Lives carer is knowing you’re giving someone love and a home and helping them make a difference in their life.”

Shaun is absolutely loving his time with Harris and says his life has changed for the better. “Shared lives has helped me because I wasn't happy before in assisted living as I was just in a room in a house and I was left to deal with all my anxiety issues on my own,” he said.

“But now, I'm in a family home where I'm getting full support for my needs. The best thing about Harris is that I can tease him all day and he teases me back. He talks and listens to me about anything!”

Harris added: “If anyone is thinking about being a Shared Lives carer and they have a spare room, I would say go for it. If you are a caring and patient person and enjoy company this is for you.

“I've had support and training throughout being a carer, which has not only given me more knowledge of who I'm taking care of but has expanded my understanding and ability to deal with a wide range of social and emotional issues.”

How you can become a Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. Age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability are not barriers to you becoming a carer.

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a person who needs support.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for those who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

Find out more about how you can get involved by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

Carers John and Barbara McGrath from Abingdon were among some of the first to receive it. They have been Shared Lives carers with the county council since November 2013. Before this, they had been foster carers, having moved into the Shared Lives scheme to allow them to continue caring for a young lady who they had been looking after since she was a young child.

Barbara said: “We have been following the guidelines carefully but our worry has always been that we will bring the virus back to the person we support and it was a worry. We are so grateful it’s been possible for us locally.”

The couple go back for their second jab in three weeks time. John added: “We were greeted by friendly, caring informative staff who explained everything and put everyone at ease. The vaccine felt no different than the flu, just a bit of a sore arm for two days. We feel fine now.”

Sally Ellis, Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme Manager, said: “We have been supporting Shared Lives carers to get PPE, payments, and advice throughout the pandemic and so we knew it was important they were on any lists that were being put forward for frontline workers to get the vaccine. The turnaround has been fantastic and this will alleviate a lot of pressure on Shared Lives carers in the area.

"I’d also like to add my thanks to them and to all the Shared Lives scheme staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that people who use Shared Lives could continue to be safe, enjoy life as much as possible in what has been a difficult year for everyone. We’re glad we can end the year with hope for 2021.”

Anna McEwen, Executive Director of Support and Development at Shared Lives Plus, said: “We are continuing to work closely with our partners in the care sector and the Department of Health and Social Care to determine the roll out of the vaccine for all Shared Lives carers. We’re delighted that Oxfordshire County Council has prioritised Shared Lives carers locally and look forward to the rest of the UK recognising the unique and excellent role that Shared Lives carers do in their homes day after day.”

Find out more about the Shared Lives Scheme and how to get involved on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Award-winning Oxfordshire couple Patricia and Brian Day have spent much of their lives devoted to improving the lives of people who have a disability – and now they are encouraging others to consider whether they could do the same.

For the past 10 years, they have been among a network of people who have opened their homes to individuals who need practical and emotional support within the community as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme.

They offer respite care at their home in Shrivenham, where they’ve been dedicating their time to others for the past 10 years, after many more years working in the care sector.

Patricia said: “We decided to join Shared Lives after working many years in the care sector. A friend who was already working for them encouraged us to look into it.

“Shared Lives is such a unique job; it enables people with so many different needs to live in a family environment. We all live together and support each other through the good and the challenging times. It’s not always plain sailing but equally it is just as rewarding.

Patricia and Brian’s dedication and work with the scheme saw them rewarded at the recent Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers awards, winning the Josie Award, which celebrates those who make an exceptional difference to dignity in care.

Upon receiving the award, Patricia commented: “The comprehensive training and support we receive enables us to constantly develop all skills which helps us all. Having people to live with us has not only changed our lives, but we have supported many others to change theirs. Receiving this award makes us feel very humble and proud because we are just a small part of the Shared Lives community.”

Shared Lives is funded by the county council and part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities – helping people to live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community. It has been running for more than 40 years and involves those in need of care sharing the home of Oxfordshire residents who have been trained and approved as ‘shared lives households’.

There are currently 80 Shared Lives carers providing a home to about 120 adults in the county. They provide anything from occasional short breaks or daytime support through to a longer-term, full-time arrangement.

Sally Ellis, Shared Lives Scheme Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I couldn’t think of a couple more deserving of the award than Patricia and Brian. They are so dedicated to the Shared Lives community and have made such a difference to so many lives over the years.

“Our Shared Lives team is always on the lookout for more people like Patricia and Brian. If you have a spare room to offer and would like to play a part in making a difference to someone’s life, then we really want to hear from you.

“Some people live together for years; others may just share an occasional weekend together. Either way, Shared Lives arrangements have made a real difference to so many people over the years.”

How to get involved

Shared Lives Carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. We actively encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a person who needs support. This is a paid role.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for those who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer and share your home and life with someone who needs support, please contact the team.

Shared Lives carers is a unique caring arrangement enabling people with a learning or physical disability, mental ill health, dementia or other ongoing needs, to share their carer’s home and family life.

To become a Shared Lives Carer - a referral is made to a local Shared Lives scheme. A team of social workers will work with all parties to carry out a rigorous and person-centred matching process. The carer and person meet to build up a relationship and establish trust, tailored to individual needs. The arrangement begins as a trial period, with a view to establishing a longer-term arrangement if required.

The Shared Lives Caring arrangement is varied and based on a bespoke approach, which makes it equally satisfying for the host and the new person who arrives at the home as Shaun explains:

I had been living in supported living accommodation and I was feeling isolated and it was suggested that I might find Shared Lives a better option. My Social worker referred me to Shared Lives and soon I met up with Kerry (who worked for Shared lives). She came and completed an assessment with me and my social worker and then I met two of the shared lives carer’s. One was Sara and the other was Harris, her son. After a couple of meetings, I felt that I would like to live with Harris and then go to Sara for short breaks. On the 1st of April 2020 Harris came to collect me and my belongings and I’m happy to be in my new home - I feel really relaxed with Harris and enjoy his company and banter. It’s now June and I feel like I have been living with Harris for years - I feel I can be myself.

This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for those who need support, in complex and different ways.

Barbara is a Shared Lives Carer for Jenni and she describes how they’ve kept busy during the coronavirus lockdown phase: Jenni has been up to lots during lockdown, but all of the activities has been home based because she is on the shielded list. To reduce any anxieties, I put together a programme which follows similar routines which she accessed before lockdown. We do Zumba dance routines to keep active, a quiz on Facebook with a group of friends, gardening and woodwork. We are very proud of her with the way she has managed this lockdown especially as she has been so restricted. (The main image is Jenni with her bird table that she painted and decorated.)

Sally Ellis is the Shared Lives Scheme Manager at the local authority: here in Oxfordshire we have a hugely successful scheme with households right across the county working on a self-employed basis but we always welcome new applicants. This is a paid role. The success of the scheme is largely due to the enduring positive relationships that are built between the people who use the service and the host households. Some people live together for years, others may just share an occasional weekend together. Either way, Shared Lives arrangements have helped many people on personal journeys to achieve their goals. If you are looking for a life change, a better work/life balance or a meaningful role - this could be a great option for you!

Meanwhile, ‘virtual’ parties will be taking place across the UK as part of Shared Lives Carer Week, organised by Shared Lives Plus, the UK charity. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, households will connect and socialise online, to share cups of tea while celebrating the role of these unique carers and the people they support.

For more information:

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer and share your home and life with someone who needs support, please contact the team at Oxfordshire County Council www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives or call 01865897971.

You can watch a video to explain more about the scheme and read some more experiences of hosts and people who receive care (based on 2019.)

The HR consultant followed in the footsteps of her parents-in-law Sue and Tim Clayton to devote time to adults in need of practical and emotional support.

Abbie, 40, and husband Sam have been part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives scheme for the past ten years.

They offer respite care at the farm near Wallingford where Sue and Tim have provided a home to people in need of adult social care for the past 25 years.

Shared Lives is funded by the county council and part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities – helping people to live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

“When I first moved here there were some really challenging adults and I saw how Sue and Tim could support them and help them to grow and develop,” Abbie said.

“We decided to get trained ourselves because we could see the great work being done. It’s such a lovely, rewarding thing to do.

“Finding out that we could do it alongside other work and jobs meant that we could do the training and provide respite for when Sue and Tim were away.

“It meant that we could step into their shoes and carry on providing normal family life rather than people having to be sent out to respite all the time.”

‘It has been good to watch and learn from Sue and Tim’

There are currently 80 Shared Lives carers providing a home to about 120 adults in the county. They provide anything from occasional short breaks or daytime support through to a longer-term, full-time arrangement.

Sue and Tim’s dedication to the scheme saw them rewarded at this year’s Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers awards, winning in the Long Term Service category which spans all areas of adult social care.

Abbie explained: “Seeing how Sue and Tim do it, which is really caring but also pushing that independence, has been good to watch and learn.

“The farm is great because it gives people the opportunity to push the boundaries of what they can do themselves.

“Because people tend to come here and stay and enjoy it, and change and develop, it’s amazing to see the journey they’ve been on. It’s like watching a child grow up, effectively, and when you’ve been a big part of that it’s really nice.”

Even when Sue and Tim are about, Abbie and Sam’s bungalow on the 25-acre site is always open to the adults.

“We’re part of a big family environment so we see them all the time. Even if we’re not down to care for them they might pop round for a cup of tea,” Abbie said.

“I’ve got two girls, aged ten and 11, and they very much enjoy spending time with the guys who live here. They will come round and colour and draw and clean the chickens or do something.

“The girls appreciate their differences. We have people with learning difficulties. We have people with autism. They get to understand that and are very supportive of it.”

‘I would highly recommend it’

Abbie said she liked the flexibility of the scheme. Providing respite care meant there was still time for her to work full-time and enjoy hobbies like running and judo.

She has completed four marathons including Paris and London and this September will represent Great Britain in the Masters squad at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Birmingham.

“I would highly recommend it,” she said. “Have a look at your life and see if you’ve got the capacity because it does take some investment of time and thought to put yourself forward for it.

“Once you’ve made that decision, have a chat with someone in the scheme currently. That’s the way I found out it would be suitable for us.

“You’re provided with all the support and information you need to do a really good job. All of these people are unique, especially in their needs and their desires.

“We’ve had people who are 18 who are just finding themselves in life and people in their 60s who are fairly set in their ways.

“They are definitely part of the family and they bring so much to it. The most rewarding thing is seeing them enjoy their independence. The fact that you can support them to live their lives to the fullest capacity.”

How you can become a Shared Lives Carer

Shared Lives Carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. Age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability are not barriers to you becoming a carer.

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a person who needs support.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for those who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is an excellent example of how carers across county are opening up their homes and making people feel like their part of the family.

“Our Shared Lives team is always on the lookout for more people like Sue and Tim, and Abbie and Sam. If you have a spare room to offer and would like to play a part in making a difference to someone’s life, then we really want to hear from you.”

Call the Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme on 01865 897971 or visit our website www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

During that time, the selfless couple have allowed more than 40 people to live their lives more fully and independently and feel part of a family household.

Despite retiring from duties on their 25-acre farm near Wallingford, Sue and Tim remain as dedicated as ever to Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives scheme and fully intend to keep opening their home to those in need of adult social care.

Shared Lives is funded by the county council and part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities – helping people to live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

Dedication rewarded at Oxfordshire care awards

Sue and Tim were rewarded for their dedication earlier this year at the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers awards, winning in the Long Term Service category which spans all areas of adult social care.

Reflecting on the prize, Sue said: “It was surprising, humbling, unexpected and undeserved. I feel it’s an award not just for us but for the whole of the Shared Lives scheme.

“It’s such a fantastic scheme to enable people to live as much of a family life as they can. The award isn’t just mine. It’s for all of those involved in the scheme. It’s for everyone who shares their lives.”

Shared Lives Carers provide anything from occasional short breaks or daytime support through to a longer-term, full-time arrangement.

There are currently 80 carers providing a home for about 120 adults in the county and the Shared Lives team is keen to recruit more as it celebrates Shared Lives Week.

All carers receive ongoing support and training from social workers to ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. They could also be paid up to just over £400 per week for each person they support.

‘I’ve developed skills I never even knew existed’

Sue, 77, had previously run a bed and breakfast at the farmhouse but chose to make a different use of the rooms after spotting an advert.

“We used to attract a lot of Americans because it’s only an hour’s drive from Heathrow. But then the Dollar and the Pound changed places and the Americans stopped coming and I had all these rooms available.

“I saw a little advert in the shop window for a scheme which back then was called Adult Family Placement.

“It was a bit of an eye-opener to start with because my children were just leaving teenagerhood and becoming adults. All of a sudden it was like having a teenager on my hands again.

“We did a certain amount of respite to begin with and it was very rewarding. I’ve developed skills that I never even knew existed.”

Over the past 25 years Sue and Tim have supported adults with a wide range of adult social care needs.

They are encouraged to help in the garden, care for the chickens, muck out the horses and even paint some of the outbuildings

“I’ve always felt that with Shared Lives, particularly when you’ve got young ones moving into the scheme, they can all benefit from being encouraged to be more independent,” Sue said.

“It’s so rewarding to see how people grow and blossom, becoming more confident in themselves and the world and being able to do things they never thought they’d be able to do.”

‘Their longevity of service is incredible’

The couple were nominated for the award by Becky Lee, the Shared Lives social worker who captured the hearts of TV viewers after twice appearing on Channel 4’s First Dates.

Becky has worked with the couple since 2016 and was overjoyed when they scooped the award.

She said: “All of our Shared Lives Carers are incredible in what they do. But the thing that made Sue and Tim stand out is the longevity of the service they’ve provided, which is a huge amount of years.

“They provide a really unique household and everyone I know who has come here has really flourished. Work like that needs to be recognised and it’s happening all over the county.”

So what would Sue say to those thinking about following in her footsteps and becoming a Shared Lives Carer?

“Think about whether you’d like someone in your house. Whether you enjoy company and helping people and seeing them grow and blossom and seeing their lives becoming richer because of the skills you can help them develop.

“If you think that’s for you, don’t stop, go straight in and do it. The Shared Lives team are fantastic in supporting you and helping you to do all the things like paperwork.”

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “I take my hat off to people like Sue and Tim. I’ve got nothing but admiration for all those carers across the county who open up their homes and make people feel like they're part of the family.”

How you can become a Shared Lives Carer

Shared Lives Carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. Age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability are not barriers to you becoming a carer.

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a person who needs support.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for those who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

Call the Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme on 01865 897971 or visit our website www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

Becky, 37, captured the hearts of viewers after appearing not once, but twice, on a reality TV dating show.

While she might have been out of luck in the romance stakes, Becky’s a lot more successful when it comes to matching people through the Shared Lives scheme.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives team helps to recruit people ready to share their home and matches them with adults in need of practical and emotional support.

Shared Lives is funded by the county council and part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities -­ helping people to live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

Opening their homes to make a huge difference

Shared Lives Carers provide a home for people in need of adult social care, allowing them to live their lives more fully and independently and feel part of a family household.

It can be anything from occasional short breaks or daytime support through to a longer-term, full-time arrangement.

There are currently 80 carers providing a home for about 120 adults in the county and the Shared Lives team is keen to recruit more.

“We work with carers and those people who use the service and build up those relationships,” said Becky. “We meet them and find out what their preferences are – where they’d like to live, what they enjoy doing, what their routines are like. And we look at what could potentially be a good match.

“When it works it’s just the best. We’ve had people in placements for years and years and years. The lovely ones are where they might spend so long in such a great environment that really empowers that person to become their best self and be independent.

“Being a caring person and opening your heart to people is one thing. But opening up your whole lifestyle and your home and inviting that person in to share with you is really going above and beyond, and that’s what our carers do.”

‘We really want to hear from you’

All carers receive ongoing support and training from social workers to ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. They could also be paid up to just over £400 per week for each person they support.

Shared Lives Carers can be single people, single parents, couples who live together, married couples, couples with children or friends sharing accommodation. Age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability are not barriers to you becoming a carer.

You need to either own or rent your own home, which has a spare bedroom and be willing to share your home with a vulnerable or disabled person.

No qualifications or experience are needed but the scheme will be looking for those who can communicate effectively, build positive relationships and enable people to make choices and decisions.

Cllr Lawrie Stratford, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “The support that our carers give makes a huge difference to the lives of people using the service, often enabling them to experience new opportunities and reach new goals.

“If you have a spare room to offer and would like to play a key part in making a positive difference to someone’s life, then we really want to hear from you.”

Two contrasting dates

Channel 4’s reality TV show First Dates catches all the conversation as couples carefully paired together either click and go on to see each other again, decide romance is not for them but stay as friends, or clash and consign any notion of a relationship to the waste bin.

Becky won the nation’s sympathy after her first date repeatedly checked for football scores on his mobile and later described her as being ‘too short’.

“It was the most disastrous date ever, much to my obliviousness!” said Becky. “But if anything, what came out of this huge disaster was the most loveliest outpouring of support and kindness from people who just wanted to reach out and tell me not to worry and not to allow his comments to get me down.”

She featured on the show for a second time a week later. This time things went a lot more smoothly, but her date dashed any hopes of romance when he suggested they remain as friends.

“I definitely would have gone on a second date but like I said on the show, I wasn’t going to go home and cry into my pillow,” said Becky.

“I really appreciated his honesty. Even when I left that evening I was really happy because I’d met someone else who was really lovely.

“We genuinely have stayed in touch as friends. We’re like-minded souls but we’re just not romantically connected.”

So will Becky be invited back for a third time? Watch this space…

Call the Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme on 01865 897971 or visit our website www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

The Care Quality Commission inspected the service in Oxfordshire, which is managed, by the county council, in early October.

There were five key measures in the inspection judging whether the service was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led and inspectors spoke to the county council, shared lives families/households and those receiving care . In every single category the CQC rated the Oxfordshire Shared Lives service as “good”.

“Wonderful” care

Relatives of those receiving care told inspectors that the care was “wonderful” and one staff member commented: “I love this role, no two days are the same. Seeing the difference it makes to people’s lives is brilliant, not just the service users but the shared lives carers as well.”

The service supports people across all client groups from 16 upwards and the oldest person the scheme has supported was 103.

There are usually around 120 people using the service at any one time - about 70 people live long term with Shared Lives Carers and the remainder have short breaks or a few hours support during the day.

Training and vetting is undertaken very carefully before people/families qualify to become approved in the shared lives scheme.

Heartwarming service

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It is a delight that inspectors have drawn such positive conclusions in their report about this heart-warming service.

“When people think of social care for adults they think of care homes or carers going out to visit people in their own homes. I doubt many would think of an adult being placed in the home of a family who look after that person’s care needs even though they aren’t from their own family.

“There is a payment for people who become approved shared lives carers. However it is still a generous and selfless undertaking on the part of our people who take someone into their own households on a day to day basis. No doubt it is these very qualities that have led to the families making such a positive impression on the inspectors along with our own staff who manage the service.

“The warm words of those who receive the care speaks volumes. This story is a real success in Oxfordshire and I hope to see it go from strength to strength in building on this positive inspection report from the CQC.”

More information about this service is available at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sharedlives

Find out more

For Shared Lives week, we highlighted some of the stories of those who have had their lives changed but the Shared Lives scheme. Read their stories here 

J lives in a long-term Shared Lives placement with carers B & D. J has been living with B & D for two years and has his own bedroom. B & D support J to cook meals, manage his money and offer support and encouragement to ensure that he develops as an individual.

One of the things J is very proud of is his paid apprenticeship at Yellow Submarine Café. J works full time at the café, his tasks include serving customers at the till, preparing food, cleaning up and taking part in general café duties. B & D have been very involved in encouraging J to get to work on time and will regularly talk to J about any issues he has at work and when needed they talk to Yellow Submarine about any issues that J may have.

Supportive

J states that B & D are very friendly, he likes the food they make, and he states that they have been away on trips together to London which have been fun. J spends time away on weekends with his family, he hopes in the future to be able to live independently in his own flat.

B & D are encouraging and prompting J to develop independent living skills such as cleaning his bedroom, making meals and managing his money. J feels that with their support he is learning much more and hopes that in future he will be able to start looking at independent living options.

Could you be a Shared Lives Carer?

Shared Lives carers come from all walks of life. 

There are adults in Oxfordshire who need care and support. In most cases, a member of their family or a close friend provides this care. Sometimes, however, this is not possible.

Sometimes the person who needs help may be offered sheltered accommodation, day care or residential care. But these traditional services may not always be the answer, for example where:

• the person has no close family or friends
• the family is no longer able to provide care and support
• relationships between the family have broken down
• the adult does not want to continue living at home
• the adult does not want to enter (or wants to leave) residential care.

One of the best ways of providing them with the kind of care they require is to offer them the chance to stay in a Shared Lives carer's home. Or, alternatively, to be supported in their own home by a Shared Lives carer.

The Shared Lives service gives vulnerable and disabled adults this opportunity, enabling them to live as independently as possible by sharing in the carer's family life. Shared Lives carers are paid carers and the role would be especially good for those working at home. Find out more 

“I’ve been living permanently with (Roger and Kym) for three years” he says. “They’re great people, what they’ve allowed me to do is manage my finance and support me emotionally and they’ve also allowed me to pursue my music”

As well as a slot at Bicester Community Radio, Oliver is an active member of My Life, My Choice radio programme just one of the ways in which Roger and Kym have guided him to seek new opportunities. Roger even went with him on his first visit to Bicester Community Radio!

Care and support

Oliver is one of many adults in Oxfordshire who need care and support. In most cases, a member of their family or a close friend, shelter, day or residential service provides this help, but for some this is not possible. Instead one of the best ways of providing them with the kind of care they require is to offer them the chance to stay in a Shared Lives carer's home, or to be supported in their own home by a paid Shared Lives carer.

Oliver now with the support of Roger and Kym is looking to be involved with the Yellow Submarine Project in Oxford, he and Roger will visit the Yellow Submarine Café in Oxford, as well as helping Oliver to budget so that he can save a bit to help cover the costs of travel to Oxford and to pay for activities at yellow Submarine.

While Roger and Kym are paid for the service, it’s sharing their lives with Oliver that makes the real difference, helping to develop his independence and providing advice about relationships and friendships when Oliver has wanted a chat at home.

Could you be a shared lives carer?

Being a shared lives is a very rewarding and fulfilling role. It’s also one that would be very suitable for someone working from home. The Shared Lives scheme is looking for friendly, caring people willing to share their time and support in return for an agreed fee for the service provided, so if you’re interested why not find out more here?