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 wasn’t answering sometimes, if she wasn’t 100 per cent sure of the answer but I told her to click on the answer she thought it was, and the next time she passed,” said Kathy.

“I had a reader during my theory, which helped me. I know I was test ready I just needed to pass the theory,” chipped in Em.She then went on to pass her practical test first time.

With encouragement from her carers she showed resilience and continued with lessons, and is thrilled to now have a car.

“By driving it gives her independence,” said Kathy.

“She needs a push to drive to new places, but I’m pleased she’s done it.”

Driving

Em started to learn to drive in 2019 and had to pause because of the pandemic. She started lessons again and had to wait five months to get a test date, due to the backlog because of covid.

“There was a strike the day of her test, but I called the instructor and the test centre as Em had got herself ready for it and we didn’t want it to be cancelled,” said Kathy.

“It nearly didn’t happen,” said Em. “I’m glad I did it as it’s nice to be able to drive. I go to the seafront, into town and recently drove to Otter Nurseries.”

To help her feel safe, Kathy has worked with Em to get the What 3 Words app on her phone in case she gets lost.

“Em isn’t great at explaining where she is if she needs us, so this really helps,” said Kathy.

Transition

Aged 12 years old Em moved in through fostering, before moving over to Shared Lives when she reached transition age.

For Em to continue living with Kathy and Steve they did the assessment and training to become Shared Lives Carers.

“To be a carer you need to provide a home and involve them in family life, as they are a family member,” said Kathy.

Living by Shared Lives values and ‘sharing their lives’, Kathy and Em love going to craft fairs, with Em enjoys looking for the latest diamond art pictures to complete.

She has a huge lion one, which adorns a wall in the dining room, and took her three months to complete.

“It’s amazing to see how the picture comes together and it’s addictive and you want to get it finished,” said Em.

“We also both knit and have been making big blankets,” added Kathy. “We are also learning to crochet. We are both left-handed so it’s a bit more challenging.”

When the weather is nice they also enjoy walking the dog and going to car boot sales. Em is also learning to paddleboard and Kathy goes along too.

“She has come a long way since she moved in,” said Kathy.

“Em had never even watched a TV in her life, she’s now glued to it and loves David Attenborough documentaries. She now has her own huge TV!”

Independence

To support her with day-to-day tasks, Kathy has worked with Em to set alarms on her watch to prompt her, which has helped her become more independent.

Currently Em volunteers at a dog groomers two days a week and the rest of the time is at home with Kathy.

“We all muck in with tasks around the house,” she said.

“I do cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom,” added Em.

“We both like being in the garden and tidying that,” said Kathy.

“Em can make micro meals, but we’d like her to learn to cook more in the future.”

There’s no doubt there is a warmth in the household and Em is at home.

“I feel at ease and happy here,” she confirmed.