Gill and Peter

Gill and her partner Peter have been Shared Lives carers for 15 years.

They have supported Adrian, aged 37, for 15 years and Angela, aged 53, for six years.

Gill said it's been fabulous, basically a life changer, not just for them, but for Angela and Adrian too.

The people you care for become part of the family

Shared Lives gives something really different. It's not just a standard service, the people you care for really become part of the family.

They all socialise with extended family and friends, go to family events such as weddings together and support each other in day-to-day life.

They have recently come back from a cruise together and have been to Centre Parcs too.

Independence is important

Gill and Peter feel it's important to ensure Adrian and Angela have their independence. They have supported them to find jobs and they both enjoy going to work. They also like to get out and about, they enjoy going for health walks, taking the dog out and making friends and connections in the community.

Adrian likes the outdoors and will soon be off for an adventure trip to the Lake District. Angela has a boyfriend and enjoys caring for animals. She had a cat when she first moved in with Gill and Peter and she's since helped to choose their family dog.

They both enjoy seeing the world and have exciting lives. We get a lot out of supporting them to do what they want.

Fantastic support from the county council's Shared Lives Service

Gill said, as a carer, it's most important that you make sure the people you support stay safe and well, enjoy themselves and live as independently as possible while sharing your family life.

We get fantastic support from the county council's Shared Lives Service who help us work out a solution to any issues that come up.

I'd advise anyone who's thinking of becoming a Shared Lives carer to just do it.