Deputy Minister braves the snow to visit Shared Lives household in Wales

Jen’s home is a busy vibrant household full of young people who were keen to let the Deputy Minister know how Shared Lives has helped them; how the model of care is supporting them and enabling them to continue with their studies, look after their own wellbeing, maintain employment and pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Throughout our discussions and interactions with policy makers across the UK, it is often these moments which have the most impact.

The Deputy Minister learnt from the supported young people about their experiences of growing up in care. She heard about the uncertainty they faced reaching the age of sixteen where discussions started about where they would live, where they would find work, and how they would continue in education when their foster care placement came to an end.

The young people talked candidly about the difference Shared Lives has made, the stability it’s brought them, the sense of belonging they felt for the first time in their lives, and how hopeful they now are for their futures. They let Julie Morgan know that more Shared Lives carers are needed to offer this kind of tailored support in a family home environment. Telling her that they know of friends who would also benefit from living in a Shared Lives household but who have not been as lucky as them.

The Shared Lives Plus Development team have recently submitted proposals to Welsh Government to help grow the model. This will hopefully see 600+ young care leavers who would benefit from another care option, and living in a family home, be part of a Shared Lives family and learn new skills to support themselves to live well.

We hope to see the minimum age that young people can access Shared Lives in Wales reduced from eighteen to sixteen. Many young people can face an uncertain future and not all are ready to move on to adulthood and living independently. Some experience mental ill health due to moving from one foster care placement to another and find it difficult to settle and establish trusting relationships.

Shared Lives could offer them stability, support, and guidance for the journey ahead. The Basic Income Pilot from Welsh Government shows a commitment to young care leavers. We hope that our proposals for two pilots in North and South Wales to support young care leavers from the age of sixteen will be considered alongside this.

We’re sure the visit to Jen’s home was a memorable one for the Deputy Minister. She heard many stories full of hope for a better future for the care sector.

Read our guide to growing Shared Lives in Wales, in English and in Welsh.

 
If you would like to find out about the potential for growing Shared Lives in your area, contact our Strategic Advice and Consultancy Support team who can talk to you about the range of services we can offer.