Date published: October 13, 2022
Awards 2022: James Harris wins this year’s Human Rights Award for Freedom of Expression
James Harris was the winner of this years Shared Lives Plus Human rights for Freedom of Expression award. He is a shining example of how you can shape your own future, even when everything is going against you.
Before living with Shared Lives, James lived in a supported living arrangement, though felt that he wasn’t living his life to the fullest. As someone who found happiness in life from their independence and the outdoors, he felt he needed a change in how his life was structured.
Having spoken to his service provider, and not gaining the response he had hoped, he decided to take action and leave. With his parent’s help, James began doing some research looking for new solutions. This is when he found Shared Lives. A placement was found in Danby Village (Avalon’s Botton scheme) at Homefield, which is a Shared Lives household that’s also a working farm with vegetable growing, and which prioritises living a sustainable life. This really did seem like the perfect match for James. Having met Eddie and Mark, the carers at the scheme, and hearing about their plans to develop five acres of new land, James was thrilled and decided to move to Homefield on a long-term arrangement.
Since moving to Homefield James has developed immensely. He is working on a number of projects at Danby Village and has taken a lead in many areas of the farm. He is now a lead grower, meaning he’s responsible for fields of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. He has also secured a position at the local bakery, making bread, and arranging deliveries. James also manages the bakery email account and responds to all the positive feedback they get about the quality of their bread.
“James is immensely proud of the work he does, as he should be. He’s a baker, and there’s just so many things he can do which I’d say is an empowering thing for any human being.” Analora, a Shared Lives carer at Botton, tells us.
He is the main point of contact for visitors at Homefield and provides them with tours around the area. His passion for what he does really shines through to visitors.
“He had this incredible morality about him, he’s a very special guy James.” Says Mark Barber, James’ carer
James has come a very long way since his unhappy days in a supported living environment. His persistence, and willingness to speak up for what he believes is right for him has got him to the position he is in now. Alongside this, Shared Lives has provided a platform for him to lead an independent and fulfilling life.
“I’ve got a good trophy and a good house to live in.” says James.
