After working more than 42 years in the care sector, Joy and Bou Roodenburg are finally retiring and timing time out for themselves. The couple, who live at Torpoint, currently support Karen and have done so for the last ten years as Shared Lives South West Carers. They have known her for 30 years and…

We have a new team member at Shared Lives South West. Penny Smith has joined our admin team and will be based in our Somerset office in Ilminster. Here we find out a little bit about Penny… Where do you live? I live in Ilminster but originally I grew up in Seaton, Devon and spent…

Ivor and Peter , who use SLSW services, are celebrating being national finalists in the Coronavirus Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List which is in partnership with Dimensions. Both Ivor and Peter, who are supported by SLSW Carers Rachel and Fran Bunce in Somerset, unearthed their artistic skills during lockdown. They have been painting ever…

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…