“I feel blessed”: Jackie and Anne’s Shared Lives story

Anne, 65, has lived with Jackie for 13 years after being matched through Tameside Shared Lives. Before that, she lived with her sister. Now, she’s firmly part of Jackie’s family – sharing everyday life, hobbies and holidays.

“We go out for meals. We go shopping. Sometimes we go on holiday. We go to the cinema,” Anne said. “Jackie takes me to meet up with my friend and his mum and dad and we go out for tea. We go to the theatre.”

Anne describes herself as “a nice person, fun and helpful,” and enjoys crafts, watching TV, going out, phoning friends and using her iPad. “I like Jackie. She is a nice person. She helps me a lot. I like to do cooking with Jackie. We make mince pies at Christmas. I like shopping for new clothes,” she added.

Over the years, the two have shared many special moments – including a dream trip to Disneyland Paris for Anne’s 60th birthday. Jackie also hosted a big party where all Anne’s friends and family came to celebrate. They’ve cruised together, seen Strictly Come Dancing live, and spent many cosy evenings watching TV and sharing a glass of wine.

When asked what she enjoys about Shared Lives, Anne said: “Jackie does more activities with me than when I lived with my sister.”

And when asked to describe Shared Lives in one sentence: “Shared Lives is nice and makes me comfortable, happy and safe.”

Jackie has been a Shared Lives carer for 19 years. Before that she worked in a learning disability service, where she first came across Shared Lives. “I saw what a lovely role the carers played in people’s lives – how happy and settled they were living in a family environment,” she said. Jackie now supports two women, including Anne.

No two days look the same for Jackie. She supports Anne with daily tasks like personal care, cooking and cleaning, and helps her keep in touch with friends and family.

“Anne and I are very well matched in our hobbies. We love shopping for new clothes, going on holidays, and seeing theatre shows. We are very good friends,” Jackie said.

Jackie also lives with her daughter Claire and son Jack and recently became a grandmother. She describes herself as organised, approachable and caring. Her hobbies include reading, going to the gym, going to the cinema, eating out and travelling.

When asked what she loves about her role, Jackie said: “I have made a lot of friends doing this job. It is a very social job. I get to experience new things alongside the lady I support. I love to see how much this lady has grown in her life here.”

People often think becoming a carer is one-way – but Jackie says it’s a mutual exchange of support, respect and joy.

“I love to watch a person grow in confidence and do new things that they’ve wanted to do but needed a bit of support and encouragement. You gain extended families. I have good relationships with the families of the people I support. We go out together to Christmas pantos, markets, theatre shows, and meals. I take the people I support on holiday together. I’ve made a lot of friends doing it.”

When asked to sum up what Shared Lives means to her, Jackie said: “I feel blessed to have these people in my life and love sharing my life with them. Being a Shared Lives carer is rewarding, fun, and makes me feel happy.”

If Anne and Jackie’s story has inspired you to become a Shared Lives carer, you can find out more at www.startyoursharedlife.today