The South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme has won the Home Care Team Award at the Wales Regional Great British Care Awards 2024. The award recognises the team’s hard work and their unique way of supporting people in the community.
Leanne Jones and Lindsey Hurley, both Shared Lives Co-ordinators in the scheme, were thrilled with the news.
“It feels amazing to see our team’s hard work recognised,” said Leanne. “We’re just small parts of a much bigger picture, and this award is for everyone who makes Shared Lives what it is.”
Lindsey agreed: “Our Shared Lives carers are the real heroes. They go above and beyond every day, offering compassion, support, and stability to those in need. This award belongs to them just as much as it does to us.”
Though Leanne and Lindsey couldn’t attend the ceremony, their colleagues—scheme manager Rose Brown, business manager Martin Thomas, and administrative officer Faye Howells—represented the team on the night. Live updates and messages kept the entire team connected and excited throughout the event.
On awarding the honour, the judges said: “This passionate and unique scheme provides a wide range of community support, from live-in carers to dedicated support sessions. It has played a key role in creating and developing new qualifications, contributing to the growth of skills and resources, and making a positive impact on both individuals and communities.”
“Shared Lives is all about the person,” said Leanne. “We take the time to match people with carers who truly understand their needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Leanne shared some stories that show the difference Shared Lives can make. One man, living with dementia, stayed at home with his wife for over ten years thanks to the scheme. Another carer became dual-registered as a foster carer to support a young mother with a learning disability. This helped the mother stay with her baby.
“These stories show what Shared Lives is all about,” said Lindsey. “It’s not just about care. It’s about hope and stability.”
The scheme also prides itself on professional growth. Both Leanne and Lindsey began as scheme workers before moving into their current roles.
“This isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life,” Lindsey said. “Shared Lives changes how you see the world. The support and chances to grow here are brilliant.”
To ensure the scheme continues to thrive, the team is dedicated to recruiting new carers and raising awareness about their work. “Word-of-mouth has always been our strongest recruitment tool, but we’re also using social media and community events to reach more people,” Leanne said. “We want Shared Lives to be a household name, not just in Wales but across the UK.”
The team now heads to the Great British Care Awards National Finals, taking place in Birmingham in March 2025. They also have more reasons to celebrate, with two carers nominated for the Care Hero Award at the upcoming South Wales Argus Awards in December.
“Shared Lives isn’t just a scheme—it’s a community,” said Lindsey. “I’m so proud to be part of something that genuinely changes lives. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
