Michelle's Shared Lives Carer Story
My name is Michelle, and I am a single Mum of 3 and work part time
I have always felt I would foster as some point in my life but I never had a spare room.
One day my path crossed with Dee Maton who was with a young lady with learning disabilities that I had known since she was a little girl, Dee mentioned she was there in her capacity of ‘shared lives’, I had never heard of it but when explained to me my whole instinct felt that this could absolutely be something I could do.
I thought about it for a few weeks and after some chats with Dee I completed my application form and sent it off.
I was assured that shared lives would fit in with my current, very busy lifestyle. It would never be a detrimental effect and the match would be carefully managed. I spent a few months completing the assessment with Dee, so she really got to know my family and I very well.
I completed the assessment and had my date to go for panel. I was very nervous but the whole team in the room were so reassuring and I felt they wanted me to do well and supported me. I was also assured that the staff would never let you go to the point of panel if wasn't going to be a firm YES.
This response I felt in my heart really consolidated to me that I love being a shared lives carer, I feel incredibly proud of Emma for fitting into our home like she was born into my family.
I was so excited to pass and be registered as an official shared lives carer and in June I had my first placement with Emma for 12 nights. I had no idea how this would go as it was all new, but my fears were unfounded when Emma and my little girl just clicked. They were giggling cheeky girls within minutes.
It was challenging at times, but the rewarding benefits far outweigh the input. We have just finished our second respite adventure after 16 nights with Emma in our home and it was a tearful farewell for all.
l am also so very proud of my young daughter, adult son and his girlfriend for welcoming her into our lives without judgement or prejudice.
We cannot wait for the next time we have our gorgeous girl back with us, it feels very quiet here without her.
Thank you Shared Lives for giving me this opportunity for challenge, growth and so much joy.
