People with learning disabilities are often left out of the conversation about death and dying. Grief can be tough, and if someone you care about has a learning disability, you might feel tempted to try and protect them from the…
For a long time, Jo and her husband, Paul – like most parent carers – just made things work. James, their son, is 27 and his loved ones describe him as funny, sports-mad, and able to bring life into any…
June marks ten years of PSS Shared Lives in Manchester supporting adults to live happy, independent lives. Shared Lives is a bit like fostering but the big difference is that it’s for adults with a wide range of support needs…
Gaynor, 56, and Sean, 56, never expected to become Shared Lives carers. After fostering children with support needs they decided to take a break, and thought that part of their lives was done. But after a couple of years with…
Becoming a paid carer at home is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Just like with fostering, as a Shared Lives carer you can invite someone who needs a bit of extra support to live with you…
PSS Shared Lives carer, Georgina Kennedy, is shortlisted as a finalist in the 2024/25 Lincolnshire Care Awards! Georgina has been nominated for the Community Care award and it’s no surprise to us why she’s in the limelight. Life before Shared…
Life after the force doesn’t have to be just about hanging up the badge. It can be about finding a new way to serve and make a meaningful impact. If you’re a retired police officer looking for a rewarding career…
James’ life was pretty different before he started using Shared Lives. It wasn’t often that he left the house and his learning needs made it tough for him to get out and about, even with support from his parents. He’d…
By Lisa Maynard-Atem, PSS Board apprentice Board meetings are often seen as formal, structured, and perhaps a little rigid. Attendees are typically senior leaders and decision-makers, gathered around a large table discussing strategy, budgets, and organisational priorities. But my recent…
Having a daughter with Down’s syndrome inspired Helena to become a Shared Lives carer. Fostering adults was the lightbulb moment she needed to feel reassured that there’s a place for adults with support needs to live their most independent life…