Cornwall Shared Lives South West carer Sarah O’Shea has beat off competition from almost 350 nominations to be shortlisted for an award at the forthcoming Care and Support Awards 2019 which take place in her home county.

She is down to the final three in the Supported Housing Worker or Team of the Year category. The gala awards night takes place on September 27.

“I didn’t know I’d been nominated, however I feel honoured,” said Sarah.

Sarah became a Shared Lives South West carer 13 years ago. She has worked a lot with young people who used their Shared Lives South West placement as a stepping stone to independent living.

She decided she wanted to become a carer with the organisation after having a second child and not wanting to miss out on them growing up.

“I looked into fostering and then heard about Shared Lives,” she said.

Runs in the family

“My parents ran a care home when I was growing up and I have worked in care all my life. Being a carer with Shared Lives seemed perfect as I could be with my family and have an extended family-  the people I support.”

In more recent years she has supported Alan and Janet in her home. They are aged 65 and 70 respectively.

“It’s different to supporting them to the young people.  I do enjoy it just as much though,” she said.

“I’ve also recently started as a Home from Hospital carer where I help someone out of hospital to recuperate.”

Care and Support Awards

Her husband Edward and her Shared Lives Coordinator Lesley Saunders will accompany Sarah to the ceremony.

We wish her all the very best at the awards. We are sure it will be an inspirational evening!

Read more Shared Lives South West news here