Shared Lives services are for adults who need some support in their lives, but don’t want to move into a traditional formal care setting. It is often seen as an alternative to residential care and supported living. It gives people with care and support needs the chance to be part of an ordinary household, to…
Posts by Dawn Gillingwater
Shared Lives South West attends Royal reception at Windsor Castle
Shared Lives Carers Ian and Gill Richardson, along with Communications Officer Dawn Gillingwater, attended a Royal reception hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen at Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle The reception recognised carers and their invaluable contribution to the UK’s health and social care sector. It brought together carers from across the country to…
Who can become a Shared Lives Carer?
Shared Lives Carers come in all shapes and sizes! You might be wondering what it takes to become one of them in the Southwest. The role gives you the chance to open up your own home to change someone’s life for the better so it’s well worth exploring whether it’s right for you. In this…
What is a typical day like in a Shared Lives household?
There is no typical day in a Shared Lives household. While every household is unique, at its heart Shared Lives is ordinary family life built around relationships, routine, community, and a sense of belonging. There are care requirements that the carer must follow, but the joy of Shared Lives is giving quality care at your…
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is an innovative care model running throughout the UK. Carers spend their day-to-day supporting adults with care and support needs to lead lives full of meaning and connection. But, what does it really mean to be part of Shared Lives? In this article, we’ll delve into how Shared Lives works and try to…
Shared Lives South West Blogs coming soon
In early 2026 we shall start posting blogs regularly about all things Shared Lives South West. We’ll answer the questions you want answered and give you all the information you need about the Shared Lives community. Check back here soon for our first blog.
Shared Lives Coordinator Jo Polkey is a welcome addition to our Cornwall team
A new Shared Lives Coordinator has joined our Cornwall team. Jo Polkey joined us earlier this month. Here we catch up with Jo and find out more about her… Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I’m passionate about helping people to live where they want to, often at home in the…
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Gurpurab: Trustee Gulzar Singh explains why it is so important to him
Our new trustee, Gulzar Singh, explains why Guru Gobind Singh Ji is so important to him and his family.Gulzar kindly took the time to write this piece for us, sharing what Guru Gobind Singh Ji means to him on a personal level, as well as explaining the significance of the celebration and why it continues…
Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley Hosts Parliamentary Event to Champion Innovative Shared Lives Care Model
Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley has demonstrated his strong support for Teignbridge-based charity Shared Lives South West by hosting an event in Parliament to showcase the organisation’s innovative approach to adult social care. Shared Lives South West – rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission -supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and…
VIDEO: Somerset Couple’s Lockdown Hobby Blossoms Into Love and Successful Art Exhibition
A Somerset couple who discovered their love of art during lockdown are now hosting their first-ever exhibition – and have already raised thousands of pounds for charity. Ivor and Carol, a couple from North Petherton, found not only their artistic talent but also a shared love that brought them closer together. With the encouragement…