Shared Lives South West is celebrating its 20th anniversary and over the years the organisation has transformed dramatically.
But one thing that hasn’t changed are three staff who joined the charity in its very early stages.
Funding and Benefits Team Leader Donna Bounden joined Shared Lives South West, then called SWAPS (Shared Lives Adult Placement Service) very early on.
They had just relocated to Zealley House, which is still our headquarters today.
“I have sat in every nook and cranny of the office and recently moved desks again,” joked Donna.
“When I joined I was the whole Funding and Benefits team until Ali Langmead joined in April 2007. Now we are a team of four.
“Back when I started, we only had contracts with Devon, Torbay and Plymouth councils. Cornwall joined us in April 2005 and Somerset late 2019.
“I have seen a lot of people join and leave the organisation across the board, such as Trustee’s, CEO’s, carers, and those supported, that is also without work colleagues over the years.
“Everyone has left a legacy, and it is nice to see that these legacies have been built on to become stronger over the years.”
Grow and evolve
During the last 20 years, she has seen SLSW grow and evolve.
“A definite highlight for me was the introduction of respite for carers, we haven’t always had this,” said Donna.
“Also the development of short break services was important, so people supported at home can come and benefit from a Shared Lives service whilst providing the family carers with breaks.”
And what has kept Donna at Shared Lives South West?
“I am still very passionate about the service the organisation offers, together with the money management support that has been developed over many years for the people supported,” she said.
“The organisation is very forward thinking, so although I have been here a long time, it’s never boring as we are always looking at ways to improve practice and develop our services. This makes me personally feel like I am still working for a relatively young organisation. Coming to work is still fun and rewarding.”
Inception
Fiona Glanvill has also been at the organisation since its inception year.
She began her career at Shared Lives South West when she was a temporary admin assistant working for Devon County Council.
“This started in October 2003 when Devon was researching Adult Placement Schemes,” she said.
“A Board of Trustees was formed and a Chief Executive appointed and Shared Lives South West began on the 1st April 2004.
“I moved over to work for Shared Lives a few months later.”
Over the years Fiona has changed roles, in 2010 becoming a Shared Lives Assistant and in 2014 became a Shared Lives Coordinator and she has also been a Support Leader in 2020.
“It has grown enormously from a tiny seed with two or three staff members and then all the original Shared Lives households, who came over from being registered care homes,” said Fiona.
“There is almost no comparison between the organisation now and then. And yet, at our heart, we are about people through and through; and we have always been about trying to improve and provide a better service for the people who live in and visit our Shared Lives households.
“Yes, our processes and systems have been developed and re-designed of course, and that certainly has had its challenges at times, but also definitely has had benefits too, which outweigh the difficulties.
“One of the most noticeable changes for me has been communication between caring households and Shared Lives Coordinators (SLCs). Back in 2004, we kept in touch with each other by telephone and letters, whereas now, I receive and make texts, WhatsApp messages, emails and video calls over Teams and Zoom.
“Landline calls and paper letters are a rare thing! So our modern technology has had a huge impact and whether you work as a staff member or as a Shared Lives Carer, we all have to continue to develop and adapt.”
Highlights
One of her biggest highlights in the 20 years has been a personal one.
“I couldn’t answer this without saying a highlight has been meeting my husband Gary!” said Fiona enthusiastically.
“He was the first SLC here, starting in December 2004 and we worked together here until 2017.
“Gary inspired me to believe that I could become an SLC myself.
“Shared Lives has changed my life exponentially. I came here when I was 37 years old with three very young children. My youngest, the toddler had just started pre-school and I found at last the thing that I had been wanting to do all my life.
“At the time, I had been looking for a job that was stimulating, meaningful and where I had lots to learn and I found it. It has given me the opportunity to develop and to move into different roles in order to do this and I love it.
“I’ve celebrated my 40th, my 50th and not too long now ‘til my 60th. How did that happen?! 20 years is a long time, but it’s flown by.”
And why does Fiona think SLSW has stood the test of time over the years?
“It’s a fantastic model of care and support,” she said.
“And also the people, ALL the people who are so committed and passionate and who keep going day in day out, year in year out to do the best they can to make us the fantastic organisation we are. Our Shared Lives Carers go above and beyond all the time. It is part of who they are and why they want to provide support in this kind of way. They are giving of their time, their families and lifestyles and adjusting and adapting to meet people’s needs and to helping them meet the outcomes that they hope for.
“It has never been “just a job” for Carers or for all the staff either and you can’t beat that!”
Finance
Alison Kingdon joined the organisation back in July 2004 as a Finance Assistant when the HQ was in Dawlish.
In 2008 she became the Finance Officer and for the last ten years she has been our Finance Manager.
“When I started I was the seventh employee, with a further two people starting the week after me,” she said.
“Now we are currently paying 40 members of staff. I have worked with some lovely people both past and present. I am still in touch with some of my colleagues who have left.
“I often joke and tell people I have been here longer than most of the furniture!”
Alison has enjoyed many highlights over the years including the ‘Summer’ picnics for carers, which took place regardless of the weather, the 10th anniversary celebrations and attending the Great British Care Awards in London.
She hopes to remain at Shared Lives for the foreseeable future and thinks it has a firm future ahead.
“In five years time hopefully I will be heading towards an early retirement,” said Ali.
“I can see it being much the same as it is now, but with more carers and more people supported.”
Here’s to the next 20 years!
Read more Shared Lives South West news here.