Shared Lives scheme helps Marc thrive in a supportive family home

A Dorset Council Shared Lives placement is helping one resident live a more confident,  independent  and fulfilling life while also bringing rewards for the carers who have opened their home and hearts to support him.

Marc has been part of a Shared Lives household with Andy and Lin  in Wimborne, East Dorset,  for around two and a half years. Since moving in, he says his anxiety has reduced  significantly  and he has enjoyed becoming part of a supportive family environment where he feels valued,  included  and able to pursue his interests.

Marc enjoys music, drama, airshows, animals and running his own social group. Being part of the Shared Lives household gives him the support he needs to plan activities, solve problems and build new skills while continuing to live a gloriously ordinary life.

Speaking about his experience, Marc said: “Being part of a family setting helps me. My anxiety came down. Andy is someone I can talk to when I  worry  and Lin always  says  ‘come to us if you are worried ’.  They are nice to me and help me.”

He added: “From the time I moved in, my anxiety dropped. I  have  happy times . If I did not have Shared Lives, it would give me high anxiety.”

Marc says some of his happiest memories include celebrating birthdays, enjoying  holidays  and taking part in family occasions with Andy,  Lin  and the wider household. Looking ahead, he is planning another holiday and hopes to work with the Shared Lives team to help  organise  more social events and encourage others to learn about the scheme.

For Andy and Lin, becoming Shared Lives carers has also been a life-changing experience. The couple have supported people through Dorset Shared Lives for six years and currently provide full-time support for three people.

Before joining Shared Lives, Andy enjoyed a successful career in banking before retraining as a nurse and working in healthcare for more than a decade. Together, he and Lin have raised five children and have  long  experience of welcoming and supporting others within their home.

Andy describes Shared Lives as “a rewarding, relaxed and fun way of life, providing a  safe  stable environment for those less able ”.  He says seeing people settle into family life, gain  confidence  and enjoy  everyday  experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

Andy said: “All three chaps were very anxious when moving in and seeing them all relax,  look  healthy and smiling and enjoying their lives is extremely rewarding. I have  learnt  so  much about myself from the people we have met and cared for. It challenges my thought processes every day and I am undoubtedly a better person for this experience.” 

The couple initially worried that providing care from home might limit their freedom. However, with support from Dorset Shared Lives, including paid carer breaks and  additional  support arrangements, they continue to enjoy holidays,  work  and personal interests alongside their caring responsibilities.

Andy said: “I  wouldn’t  change this life. I am my own boss, enjoying my own home and feeling blessed and rewarded on an almost daily basis.

Councillor  Steve Robinson, Dorset Council portfolio lead for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Marc’s story  wonderfully  demonstrates  the positive impact Shared Lives can have for people who need a little extra support to live independently and thrive within their community.

“The commitment and kindness shown by carers such as Andy and Lin helps people build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the everyday experiences many of us take for granted.”

Dorset Council is encouraging more people to consider becoming Shared Lives carers. The scheme matches adults who need support with approved carers who can offer accommodation,  companionship  and practical help within a family home. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about Shared Lives support or becoming a Shared Lives carer can visit the Dorset Council website  -  Shared Lives - Dorset Council