Our Shared Lives stories

Shared Lives carers and the people they support share their stories here.

Shared Lives Northumberland provides support in a family home for adults who are unable to live alone because of their age or disability.

Shared Lives carers share their homes and their family life with the people they support.

Marty and Joe's story

Joe lives with Marty and Don in a Shared Lives arrangement.

Joe says Marty and Don have given him so much joyfulness in everything beyond his wildest dreams.

In this video they describe how Shared Lives Northumberland has changed both their lives for the better.

Rachel's story

Rachel lives with John and Joanne and their children in a Shared Lives arrangement.

John and Joanne have given Rachel the confidence and opportunity to try new things.

Now Rachel has a very active social life, as well as playing drums in a band, acting and playing football.

She says it’s amazing having pets and being part of a big family.
 

Gill and Cameron's story

Cameron lives with Gill in a Shared Lives arrangement.
 
Cameron joined Gill when he was 13 through a fostering arrangement and when he reached 18 they transferred to Shared Lives to give Cameron continuity.
 
Gill says it is a joy to have Cameron as part of her life.

Jennifer, Lizzy and Carly's story

Lizzy and Carly live with Jennifer in a Shared Lives arrangement.

Lizzy has been with Jennifer since she was 18, and Carly originally came for a short break and has now been with Jennifer for four years.

Jennifer says she wouldn’t want to be without them.