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…

Chloe Boyd has joined our team in Cornwall for the next year while she completes an apprenticeship in conjunction with Truro and Penwith College. She will study Business Administration which will include 30 hours a week placement at Shared Lives South West. Chloe will be mentored Stephanie Thomas in our admin department. Apprentice Chloe, who…

Nicola Fortt has joined our admin team and will be based in our Somerset office. Here we catch up with her to find out more about why she joined SLSW… Why did you want to work at SLSW in our admin team? I wanted to do a job i’d be interested in and something that…

Devon Approval Panel Chairman Sally Palmer has chaired her final meeting. Here she reflects on her time on the panel, what she’s enjoyed and the highlights… “Fifteen years ago I was a member of the first approval panel of the South West Adult Placement Scheme (SWAPS). In December 2019 I chaired my last Shared Lives…

We catch up with Ashleigh Burgoyne who is completing her placement as a student SLC with us.   You are a student SLC with us, how long is your placement? My placement is 70 days and my working days are Mon, Tues and Wed every week until approximately the end of April. What was it…

There is no doubt Matt has found his calling in life since starting as a volunteer at Plym Valley Railway. Matt was helped by his Shared Lives South West carer Teresa Walker to find the position, which he started in the Summer. “I’ve never been happier,” said Matt. “I work there two days a week…

A life long ambition to meet an elephant and enjoy a dream trip to India came to fruition for Tommy, thanks to his SLSW carer Dawn Soloman. Tommy, who lives with Dawn in Cornwall, has enjoyed a ten day break  and had a wonderful time experiencing the culture, food, beautiful scenery and much more. “I…