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…
By Helena, Shared Lives carer in Lincolnshire When my cafe closed during the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. Sitting in my home in rural Lincolnshire with an acre of land and plenty of time to think, I realised…
Have you ever wondered how one act of kindness can change someone’s life forever? Meet Trevor – a talented woodworker and a proud member of the Shared Lives family for over 32 years. Through the care and encouragement of his…
A PSS Shared Lives arrangement has been highlighted as a case study in a national study from the Older People’s Housing Taskforce (OPHT), commissioned by the UK government. Our Future Homes: Housing that Promotes Wellbeing and Community for an Ageing…
By Lisa Maynard-Atem, PSS Board apprentice In today’s world, the word ‘authentic’ is overused, often to the point of losing its meaning. Many organisations, even those with large budgets and communications teams, often struggle to convey their values in ways…
For people living with mental health challenges, the right care, in a family setting like Shared Lives, can be life changing. Hope’s story shows how Shared Lives can help someone with complex mental health needs not only build confidence but…
On Friday 18th October, PSS Shared Lives carer, Karen Jackson, took home the Gold award for community care in this year’s Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales. Lots of our Shared Lives carers say the best part of…
By Chloe Calver You’d think that writing about my experience as a Shared Lives carer would be easy, but there isn’t a typical day being a PSS Shared Lives carer. Every day is a new day, a new experience, a…
Shared Lives is different for everyone. Depending on a person’s goals depends on how long they’ll be in their Shared Lives arrangement. For Andrew, who joined Shared Lives as soon as he left foster care at 18, he knew his…
By Lisa Maynard-Atem Following the recent announcement about me becoming the very first PSS Board Apprentice, the time finally came for me to join them for my first board meeting. Fortunately, I was able to spend two whole days meeting the team…