Shared Lives at 10 Downing Street

Along with our CEO Ewan King and Carer Champion Steve Collis, Shared Lives scheme workers and Shared Lives carers from Shared Lives South West, Camphill Village Trust, Camden Shared Lives and Bradford Shared Lives attended on the day.  

Ewan said, “It was a fantastic day, and as a group we had lots of great conversations and attracted interest about what Shared Lives is and how it supports many people to live fulfilling lives no matter their support needs.  

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone from the local schemes who joined us on the day, you are fantastic advocates for Shared Lives and did an excellent job representing the whole UK sector.”  

The group had a wonderful experience and were excited to see all the history and photographs lining the corridors whilst being led out into the gardens. The Minister’s speech on the day was dedicated to all employed and voluntary carers who she quoted ‘are the backbone of social care provision’. Following the speeches, the group representing Shared Lives had the opportunity of a photo with Helen Whately and a brief discussion where she reminded them that she firmly believes in the Shared Lives model and hopes there will be further mutual benefit in the future. 

Steve Collis, a Shared Lives carer and our Carer Champion at Shared Lives Plus said, “It was good to be recognised and valued by the Minister, and I think the group were really struck by the amount of history around us, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience!”  

Read more about how Shared Lives has been hailed as an “innovation” in the Government’s next steps to Put People at the Heart of Care.