“They look after me in a way that makes me feel like a member of their own family”

“Hi, my name is Kim, and I live with my Shared Lives carer, Bill in Paisley, who is part of Cornerstone’s Shared Lives Service. I volunteer at the local Barnardo’s shop in nearby Linwood. The thing I like most about my job is meeting customers and helping them when they come into the shop.

“Bill is always a great support for me, as I can go to him when I need help with anything. Sometimes we go shopping together, and he always drops me off and picks me up when I go to get my hair done every few weeks. Bill and I also enjoy going on holiday together. Recently we went to Ireland and stayed in a lovely place called Letterkenny. We also went on a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway. I really want to go back to Ireland one day as we had so much fun there. However, I don’t have too long to wait till my next holiday, as I’m soon heading off to Brugge in Belgium for a few days with Bill’s daughter, Susan. I’m so excited, and can’t wait to go.

“My biggest hobby and favourite past time is going to music concerts. My favourite artist is country singer Kenny Chesney. He’s never been to Scotland before, so I keep hoping he will come one day so I can go see him in concert. I’m going to see the Osmond’s, Boyzone and Keith Urban over the next few months which will all be amazing. I love Boyzone, and my favourite song is ‘Love Me for a Reason’. Bill isn’t a fan of my music, so he just chauffeurs me to and from the gigs, which is a massive help to me. I’d be lost without Bill and his family, as they look after me in a way that makes me feel like a member of their own family.”