Thanks to the support of her Shared Lives South West Carer, her faith, local church and feeling part of the community, *Vanessa (*name changed to protect the person’s identity) is now ready to move on and take the next step in her life. Vanessa moved in with SLSW Carer Nicola a year ago and needed…

Shared Lives South West has renewed its Mindful Employer Charter. It’s a UK wide initiative run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust. It provides employers with easy access to professional workplace mental health training, information and advice. The goal is to help empower organisations to take a lead in supporting the mental wellbeing of staff. mindful…

Covid-19 may have put a halt to a lot of things in society, but thanks to careful planning and the Government softening restrictions, it meant Ian could still move into his new Shared Lives South West household this month. Ian has moved from a Mencap home into a SLSW household and is being supported by…

Shared Lives South West has welcomed new Shared Lives Coordinator Chrissy Goodridge to the team. She will be based in Somerset covering Anne-Marie Carmichael’s role while she is on maternity leave. Chrissy started at SLSW earlier this month and has a wealth of experience in the care sector. We caught up with her and welcomed…

Ivor and Peter , who use SLSW services, have found a hidden talent during lockdown and will now raise money for the NHS.  They, along with Carol, who is the sister of SLSW Carer Rachel Bunce have discovered a love and passion for painting. They have created some fantastic pieces of art, which they now…

We have welcomed a new Shared Lives Coordinator to the team. Jacky Lockhart is no stranger to Shared Lives South West having previously been Devon Approval Panel for some time. Here we catch up with Jacky about what she is enjoy about her coordinator role and being part of the organisation. 1, What enticed you…

Less than 12 months ago new mum Abby was going to have to go to a special centre to help her with her parenting skills, miles away from her family and friends. At the eleventh hour, Shared Lives South West services, were discussed as an option and before long Abby was matched with Shared Lives…

Micheal, who lives with Shared Lives South West Carer Barbara Barnwell in Somerset, calls her his ‘rock’. He has turned his life around and is thriving in the two years he’s been supported by her home in Langport. My rock “Barbara cheers me up and is my rock,” said Michael. “I am really happy and…

Krista Ford has joined us at the Devon Office working 24 days as part of her Social Work qualification at Plymouth University. She’s in her first year of her studies and works as a carer to gain experience when not studying. “My placement was found for me by my tutor at University,” she said. “While…

Anna has lots to celebrate, not only has she moved into her own flat after three years in a Shared Lives placement, she’s also expecting her second child. “I’m very happy right now,” she said. “I’m pleased and proud I’ve got my own place.” Anna lived with her son Liam with SLSW Carer Carol Griffiths…