Shared Lives Carers Ian and Gill Richardson, along with Communications Officer Dawn Gillingwater, attended a Royal reception hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen at Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle

The reception recognised carers and their invaluable contribution to the UK’s health and social care sector. It brought together carers from across the country to acknowledge the difference they make to people’s lives through their commitment, care and compassion.

The evening saw carers from across the nation come together to celebrate the role of care, as well as meet well-known figures with personal experience of caring, including Kate Garraway, Dr Ranj Singh and Coleen Rooney.

“It was an inspiring evening hearing stories from other organisations and a night I won’t forget,” said Dawn.
“It was amazing to meet The King and Queen, as well as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.”

Ian added: “It was a night to remember.”

Schemes across the country

The invitation and arrangements for carers to attend the reception were coordinated by Shared Lives Plus, which invited members from different schemes across the country.

Cathy McSweeney, Membership Support Manager at Shared Lives Plus, attended the event at Windsor Castle to represent the wider Shared Lives network.

Cathy said: “It was a privilege to attend the reception and to see Shared Lives Carers recognised at a national level. Carers open their homes and lives to support others, and this event was an important acknowledgement of the care, commitment and compassion they bring to their role.”

Read more Shared Lives South West news here.