Councillor Sinead Mooney meets two Shared Lives Carers from Surrey Choices

Shared Lives Week is an annual campaign to celebrate and raise awareness of the best of Shared Lives. It is also a week to show gratitude for the amazing work of Shared Lives Carers and the people they support. 

Francesco and Reeaz have really embraced the Shared lives Scheme. The couple were looking to open up their home to someone who wanted to learn day to day skills and be a part of a loving environment. Following a respite placement, Robert enjoyed his time so much that he asked his key worker if the placement could become permanent. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Cllr Sinead Mooney is Cabinet Member for Adults at Surrey County Council and a Borough Councillor for Spelthorne. She caught up with Francesco Reeaz and Robert to hear their story. Cllr Mooney spent the afternoon learning more about Shared Lives and seeing first hand what a difference it can make to people’s lives.

“Shared Lives is fantastic. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and learnt so many wonderful things about the opportunities people like Robert have through Shared Lives to learn new independent skills and to live a fruitful and objective life.”

Donna Wilson, Registered Manager for Shared Lives at Surrey Choices was also delighted to see Robert’s progression.

“Robert is living an integrated life in his community and is great to see. Shared Lives has opened opportunities for him and he is now forming relationships with people in his neighbourhood.”

She explained that shared Lives Carers don’t have to have previous experience of social care, as Surrey Choices provides plenty of training and support. Matching the person with the right Carers is the key to a successful outcome, like the one witnessed by Cllr Mooney. It’s about a set of shared values, common interests, and a desire to help people in the community.