Shared Lives South West has taken on responsibility for Shared Lives Somerset and we now welcome four new faces to our SLSW staff team. Here you can learn about the Shared Lives Coordinators in our Somerset team…
Am
anda Maggs
What do you enjoy most about your role as part of Shared Lives Somerset?
The fact that every placement is unique and dynamic – nothing is static. That the people we support get real meaningful choice; their voice is really listened to in every aspect of their lives
How flexible and adaptable a Shared Lives placement can be as people change and grow or age.
The quality of relationships that develop between the person using our services to the carers and the staff team.Almost everyday has a good news story.
Tell us three things about you?
Ice cream is my favourite food.
I love walking the South West coast path, especially in Cornwall.
I have four children, three grandchildren and hopefully more will arrive in time.
What makes a good coordinator?
Active listening skills. Empathy and patience. Being able to challenge when necessary.Flexible thinking.
Why do you think Shared Lives as a care model works so well?
It involves real life, real people all doing real things . People and families come in all shapes and sizes and Shared Lives embraces that. It is never a one size fits all service.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of SLSW?
I think it being part of a supportive network so I don’t feel like we are on our own, but to be honest I am not really sure yet.
Hayley Nicholls
What do you enjoy most about your role as part of Shared Lives Somerset?
Experiencing the people using our service achieving there outcomes and the individuality associated with this. Having direct contact with the people using our service and capturing their input is something I very much enjoy.
I am passionate about what we do!
Tell us three things about you?
I am a dog lover – especially my puppy! One of my hobbies is fitness. A good roast dinner always goes down a treat.
What makes a good coordinator?
Being passionate about what we do. Working well as a team, being open, transparent and supportive. Having experience of the care sector primarily learning disabilities.
Why do you think Shared Lives as a care model works so well?
Shared lives is unique! It provides individuals with a supportive family set up. It really focuses around positive outcomes and independence in a personalised way.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of SLSW?
Getting to know our new team, being part of a bigger team and having the different.
Jean Harper
What do you enjoy most about your role as part of Shared Lives Somerset?
People using the service making life changing decisions.
Tell us three things about you?
Don’t buy me chocolate or potted flowers! Chocolates and chips are my favourite ‘foods’ and having tried to yield a harvest from my garden I am now content to grow flowers;
I’m a selective vegan – allergic to eggs and meat eating stopped over 30 years ago. I was born in Paddington, London and was the ninth child of 11.
What makes a good coordinator?
Active listener, kind, fair, discerning.
Why do you think Shared Lives as a care model works so well?
Shared Lives offers family based community living. It’s an opportunity to live life to the full. The monitoring and support offered to families and individuals gives the greatest chance of success.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of SLSW?
Being part of a developing safe service that has managerial support and a breadth of experience that is viewed as a resource by everyone.
Anne-Marie Carmichael
What do you enjoy most about your role as part of Shared Lives Somerset?
I love going to people’s homes and talking with them about their life experiences, their future aspirations and working with them to help achieve them.
Tell us three things about you?
I love spending time with my family- my 2 year old daughter Florence keeps me busy out of work. I enjoy netball and walking my two dogs Cynder and Daisy.
What makes a good coordinator?
You need to have a fun sense of humour and enjoy meeting new people and always be ready for a challenge. I think that there is no better place than living with people who want the best for you and the Shared Lives model clearly demonstrates this.
Why do you think Shared Live as a care model works so well?
Being a part of SLSW is going to open up so many new opportunities for the people we support, the carers and us. I can not wait to start this new chapter and look to a positive and brighter career and future!
Find out more about Shared Lives Somerset here.