Our PSS Shared Lives East team had some wonderful feedback from three people who all live together with their Shared Lives carers Chloe and Ryan in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Here at PSS Shared Lives we often hold Tell Us sessions with the supported people in our service, giving them the opportunity to talk openly about how they are and how their life is with their carers. Shared Lives development worker Kelly recently held a session with some of the people we support, who all live in the same household.
Kelly said: ‘I recently did a visit, where we went out for coffee and supported them to say what they wanted to say about their carers. They all want to express how they feel about their carers Chloe and Ryan. I have also been asked to attach the photo I took of them with their carer Chloe who is expecting next month and the dog Bruce.’
Debbie, Connor and Chloe told us, in their own words, about what it’s like to live with their Shared Lives carers Chloe and Ryan.
Debbie said: ‘Chloe and Ryan are very good carers. We have lots of fun and laughter together, they deserve a pay rise. Chloe is a great cook, but Ryan does the best mash potatoes. Chloe and Ryan are such good listener, if I have any problems I can always go to them and they always listen to me and support me. If I have any problems, they always help me sort them out. I lived there for over two years now and I’m really happy.’
Connor said: ‘I have lived with Chloe and Ryan for three years now. They are the best carers. They support us to do fun days out. Chloe is an amazing cook. We always have a laugh together. Chloe and Ryan help me a lot with my budgeting and understanding my money. I would never want to live anywhere else; they are the best. They are my family.’
Chloe said: ‘Chloe and Ryan are amazing carers; I lived with them for three years. They are the best carers in the world. They take me out on holiday and to the park. I’m looking forward to the baby coming so I can push the pram. Chloe always helps me when I worry. I love living there with everyone.’
'Tell Us' sessions are an important way of finding out how supported people are doing
It’s always so wonderful to hear directly from the people we support, and it just goes to show what an absolutely incredible job our PSS Shared Lives carers do and the difference that Shared Lives can make to a person’s life.
Have you ever thought about starting a career that’s a bit different? Something that’s really rewarding, where you can make a huge difference to someone’s life? Becoming a Shared Lives carer would give you all of that and more, all you need is a spare room in your home, an open mind and lots of love to give!
Shared Lives supports adults who need some extra help to live their lives. This can include people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, physical disabilities or other support needs.