#SharedLivesWeek2023 – Shared Lives Ambassador Heather

“I think it’s really important to get people understanding the perceptions of people that are in care because a lot of people have their own judgment of it. They think we’re incapable of doing something just because we’ve had the life that we’ve had.”

Heather believes the current care system is often daunting for those it’s meant to support through the transition phase of leaving the care system.

“I’ve had a lot of social workers in my time, and I will be honest, I didn’t really like social workers when I was younger. I’ve had ones that I felt didn’t care and have made decisions without asking what I really wanted first. I can understand from working and meeting with social workers, that they have an extremely hard job when it comes to having someone’s life in their hands. I do believe that sometimes we forget that they are humans. Most of them have the right intentions, but just not always enough resources or knowledge of how to give someone the right support.”

“Leaving care at 16, I couldn’t wait to be out. But it dawned on me how I would physically and mentally cope, when I’ve had no role model to show or teach me the life skills I needed. This is where my anxiety grew bigger as I felt I had no part in any big decision. I had to just go along with it.”

Heather found Shared Lives five years ago aged 19 when one of her social workers told her about the programme. She was matched with Andrea. Heather was keen to move in as soon as possible. Following a meeting with Andrea, Heather quickly moved in with Andrea and her five children, which she is the eldest of.

“Being part of family life feels normal now, which I never thought I would ever say. Being a role model and a big sister figure to the children, makes me feel so proud. It’s the small things like cooking together to sitting around at the dinner table, even having a little squabble now and then. I have become more relaxed into family life with people that care for me.”

Alongside her role as an Ambassador, Heather has been working as a baker at a charity café where she designs and bakes cakes. Heather has big plans for the future and hopes one day to be able to work as a support worker, something that seems a natural progression from her role as an Ambassador.

“In a couple of years, I would like to become a support worker in Shared Lives. I feel having someone that you can relate to makes a difference. Being a support worker and making a difference to someone’s life, makes it worth getting out of bed in the morning. I also believe having the skills and experience of being an Ambassador will hold me in a good position for the future.”

Heather wants to be part of a new and exciting future of social care, in which Shared Lives hopes to lead the way. She feels this approach can help young people with learning disabilities across the nation and wants to spread the word about the organisation that helped her.

“This is why I am an Ambassador. Hearing someone’s story and what they have been through, has helped me feel more comfortable to speak up about my experience. This has also given me confidence to find ways of helping other people to use their voice. Together with other Ambassadors, I want to give social workers and local councils more knowledge to support people.”

If you are a social worker you can access our free training resources surrounding referring to Shared Lives.