What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a model of support that brings people together in ordinary homes and communities. Often described as similar to foster care for adults, it enables adults with learning disabilities to live with, or be supported by, an approved Shared Lives Carer and their family. The focus is on building meaningful relationships, developing independence and creating a real sense of belonging.
At Camphill Village Trust, our Shared Lives offer in the West Midlands is flexible and person-centred. People may live long term with a Shared Lives Carer, stay for short breaks, or receive day support that helps them build skills, confidence and community connections. Support is shaped around the individual and grows from everyday life, shared routines and mutual respect.
An event led by lived experience
Recently, this approach was brought to life at a Shared Lives Skills Event held at Ashfield Gardens, one of our social farm and gardens where people can attend our horticulture and animal husbandry programmes. People we support, our Shared Lives Carers, and members of the Shared Lives team came together with colleagues from Ashfield Gardens for a day focused on learning, connection and shared experience.
The event was a strong example of co-production in practice. The day was led by people with lived experience of Shared Lives, ensuring that discussions were grounded in what really matters. Katie, our Shared Lives Ambassador and a person we support, spoke at the event and helped shape the conversations. Her contribution highlighted the importance of people with lived experience leading, influencing and supporting others to learn.
Building skills for life
Sessions throughout the day explored practical and empowering topics, including pathways into employment and how to stay safe from fraud and scams. These discussions supported people to build knowledge and confidence, while also creating opportunities for shared learning between people we support, carers and staff.
Holding the event at Ashfield Gardens added to the experience. The social farm and gardens in Stourbridge provide horticulture and animal husbandry programmes for people we support, and the calm, welcoming setting helped create a positive environment for learning and connection.
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the Shared Lives Skills Event such a success. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together, share their experiences and lead change side by side.
Want to know more about Shared Lives support or become a Shared Lives carer? Find out more.
