This week, we bid farewell to Shared Lives Coordinator, Sally Smith, after an incredible 20 years of service. When Sally first started, Shared Lives was a small organisation operating in Devon. “At the time, Devon County Council was transferring small residential homes with three or fewer people to Shared Lives, and that’s how the organisation…
David, who uses our services, is celebrating receiving the Mayor’s Recognition Award from Teignmouth Town Council. He won the ‘Individual Excellence Award’ for being an exemplary community member and volunteering countless hours to support many local initiatives and good causes. Shared Lives Carer He moved in with Shared Lives Carer Annie in 2018, who has…
Shared Lives South West Funding and Benefits Team Leader Donna Bounden has now celebrated her 20th anniversary with the organisation. She’s seen the charity grow from very humble beginnings and been part of it growing and evolving, with it now operating across three counties and five local authorities. “I’ve had the opportunity to lead the…
Shared Lives South West couple Ivor and Carol are looking forward to making Valentine’s Day extra special. They are planning to go to The Castle Hotel, Taunton, for high tea this Valentine’s Day. “You have to look out for your partner,” said Ivor. “Think about what they need and keep loving them,” added Carol. Ivor,…
Shared Lives South West is committed to promoting independence together with work and volunteering opportunities for those supported. Supporting an individual to do this requires the carer, the Shared Lives South West funding and benefits team and their Shared Lives Coordinator to work closely together. The funding and benefits team can support with the first…
The Shared Lives South West Somerset team celebrated the charity’s 20th anniversary with an afternoon tea event, hosted at their base at Eaglewood Park, Dillington. The occasion brought together Shared Lives Carers, their households, staff, trustees, and Ilminster Mayor Cllr Brian Hamilton to celebrate two decades impactful service. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission,…
A warm welcome to Gemma January, who has joined the People Team as a Community Engagement Officer, with the aim promoting Shared Lives South West across Devon at events and supporting with marketing. Here we catch up with Gemma to find out how she is finding it at the charity… What have your first…
Shared Lives Carer Nikki Drewett has made it through to the final of the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards. Nikki is down to the final four in the Carer category, where she is being recognised for her role in supporting Jen. Make a difference The award will be given to someone who improves…
We have welcomed Sophie Essex in a new position at Shared Lives South West. Based in the Cornwall office, her role as a Community Engagement Officer, will focused on being out in the community to promote Shared Lives and Carer recruitment at various events. We caught up with her just after she started… What…
Em, who is supported by Shared Lives Carers Kathy and Steve Lee, has shown true determination and has overcome many challenges to pass both her theory and practical driving tests. Despite struggling with her theory test and taking it 16 times, she didn’t give up and finally passed the exam. “I didn’t realise that she…