To celebrate Shared Lives Week 2018 we are sharing stories of people whose lives have been transformed through MacIntyre’s Shared Lives scheme. Currently running in Central Bedfordshire, Warrington and Essex our Shared Lives scheme allows individuals or families to provide support and friendship for an adult with learning disabilities, from the comfort of their own home.
William, Carolyn and Mac
For 23-year-old William, living with his Shared Lives family means he is able to live a life that makes sense to him. Before living with Carolyn and Mac, William had low self-esteem and found living on his own challenging. Due to this, he had few independent living skills and often found social situations difficult.
Since matching with Carolyn and Mac, William has become involved in every aspect of family life. By nurturing William, Carolyn and Mac have developed his confidence, which has allowed him to complete his college course, pass his CBT test and buy a motorbike. His confidence continued to grow from the support of Carolyn and Mac who encouraged him to pursue his passions.
Our Shared Lives team take the time to get to know both the carers and the individual in need of support, matching people with common interests. His knowledge of fish, reptiles and insects didn’t go unnoticed and with support, he was able to gain a job in the Aquatic Department at his local garden centre; proof of his growing confidence.
William may have found new friendships and an extended family with Carolyn and Mac, but he is still involved with his own family and sees them regularly. However being part of Carolyn and Mac’s family has allowed him to maintain friendships, face challenges and be a part of the community.
Would you like to learn more about Shared Lives in your area? Visit our Shared Lives page to find out how you could change someone's life.
