Megan Parkes has joined the Shared Lives South West team as a Shared Lives Coordinator. We caught up with her to find out how she is finding her new role and why she joined us…

You’ve been at SLSW a little while now, how are you finding it?
Everyone is friendly and I feel like I’ve been here for ages. We have an amazing team who are happy to help and answer any questions I have.

What do you think of Shared Lives South West and the services it offers?
It’s so person centred and it gives people opportunities to experience a happy family life, where they may not have had that if it wasn’t for SLSW. The carers are passionate and show such commitment.
Where were you working before SLSW?
I worked for STEPs, short term reablement care for 12 years. I worked for a carer for five years and got promoted as a team leader for seven years. It is centred around building confidence, setting goals and helping people to be more independent while continuing to live at home.
I’d been there for so long so wanted a new challenge. It was daunting to leave but it was the best decision.

Tell us more about you…
I’m a mum of three children and we love going away on holiday and making life experiences.
Weekends are centred around family time, taking the children to football and woodland walks.
I also enjoy fitness classes.