Date published: December 21, 2021
Stacey Dooley’s Fresh starts podcast hears the love story of Holly & Geoffrey, who live with Shared Lives carers
Live today: Couple Holly and Geoffrey are more excited than ever for Christmas this year as not only are they living together, but they are also the focus of Stacey Dooley’s Fresh Starts podcast on BBC Sounds. Fresh Starts shines a light on people starting something new in their life and this time Stacey meets Holly and Geoffrey who live with Shared Lives carers use our services and moved in together during the pandemic.
“"I was told I wouldn't ever fall in love or have a relationship, but I've met the loveliest person and proved them all wrong!" ”
The award winning documentary presenter visited the couple in Cornwall in the run up to Christmas to talk about them moving into together during lockdown as they couldn’t bear to be apart. Before the pandemic they were both living in separate Shared Lives households, but desperately wanted to live together.
Their Shared Lives carers talked, with Holly and Geoffrey included in the discussions, and the scheme and it was agreed they would live with Marlene and John Moore. To give the couple more space, the carers have had an extension and created another living space for them- just in time for Christmas!
Stacey, who also won BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, spent the morning with Holly and Geoffrey decorating their Christmas tree and talking about moving in together during the pandemic.
“It went so well, Stacey was so lovely and Holly and Geoffrey loved the whole experience,” said John.
You can listen to the podcast on the BBC Sounds app or website
*Please note when the podcast was recorded and when photos were taken, everyone involved followed government guidance at the time.
