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Say hello to Stuart Orrell, our new deputy head of Shared Lives.

30th January 202613th February 2026

We’re so happy to give a huge warm welcome to Stuart Orrell, who joined us in early January as the new deputy head of Shared Lives.

The image is a digital animation style graphic, showing a person sat with their head in their arms and a loving had over them, shielding the person from a storm

National Grief Week 2025: Supporting people with a learning disability to manage grief

2nd December 202530th January 2026

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…

We didn’t realise how much we needed Shared Lives until we had it

6th June 20256th June 2025

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…

Victoria and someone who also uses Helena's day centre is cooking in the kitchen. They're wearing colourful polkadot headbands and aprons and Victoria is concentrating on weighing out flour. Her friend int he picture also has Down's Syndrome and smiling brightly at the camera. They're making cupcakes. Fostering adults can be as simple as baking a cake some days.

‘Fostering adults: ‘everyone deserves a family’

8th January 202530th January 2025

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…

Trevor standing in his workshop, holding a wooden rack filled with neatly arranged woodworking tools. He is wearing a brown sweater, and the background shows various tools hanging on the wall, including spades and saws.

‘Support emotional wellbeing as a Shared Lives carer’, says Trevor

12th December 202430th January 2025

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…

There's five people in the photo. They are all stood outside of the home of Jacqui an Sue's. Lesley is far left, white, blonde, average height and wears a mustard pea coat. She has short hair and is looking friendly - she's the former CEO of PSS. Julienne Meyer is next to Lesley and also blonde with short hair and wears a black winter coat. Sue is in front - she's an older lady with short grey hair, she wears a jumper with a cardigan over it and smiles brightly. Her Shared Lives carer, Jacqui is younger with dyed red hair, and a lovely smile - she holds Sue's arm to help keep her stable. She looks really warm and welcoming. Bob is at the back - he's the service manager. He's white, bald, and has a white goatee and glasses on as well as a dark coat and jumper. Older people.

National report says Shared Lives is the future for older people

6th December 20246th March 2025

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…

Andrew is a white man with ginger hair. He's standing in his new kitchen with two thumbs up and a beaming smile. He's so excited to be in his own place

Leaving foster care made easier with Shared Lives

15th October 202431st January 2025

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 goal…

Kevin and Pauline stand close together, Kevin's arm around big sis, Pauline. They're close in age, they look around 50s/60s - Kevin and Pauline are white and both wear glasses. Kevin wears a yellow football shirt and black cap - his walking stick is just in shot. Pauline, wears a summery top and has short blonde/gray hair. they both looks really comfy with each other.

Hospital stays are over now that Kevin has beaten addiction

4th October 202431st January 2025

When Kevin first came to Shared Lives, he was struggling to live a full, independent life, with constant hospital stays, but thanks to the teamwork of his Shared Lives carer, his social worker, and his own determination, he’s turned things…

The whole family, including Phil who they support, their son Jayden and the grandparents are all gathered around a table together looking friendly and warm.

Unpaid carer, Paula, used her skills to start her Shared Lives career

4th October 202431st January 2025

If you’re an unpaid carer, you know how it feels to give your all to support a loved one. It’s not easy. You might have stepped away from a full-time job to be there for a family member – whether…

Paul and kevin stand together in the reception area of PSS. Paul is a tall man! He's head and shoulders above Kevin who is older than Paul and uses a walking stick. They're stood together like old friends, there's a lot of love and respect between them. Paul is white and has great short hair, he wears a baggy blue t shirt and jeans while Kevin as a PSS lanyard on because he's a volunteer at the offices.

After ten years in retail, Paul found his calling in care work

23rd August 202431st January 2025

When I think back to my days managing a busy retail store, I never imagined that one day I’d be spending my time in a completely different way – sharing my life with people who need a bit of extra…