To mark National Care Leavers’ Month this November, we’re highlighting the impact of the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme, which is helping young people transition into adulthood with the stability, confidence, and continuity they need to thrive.
Shared Lives matches young people – often with a learning disability, autism, or mental health challenges – with trained Shared Lives carers who open their homes to offer safe, supportive family environments.
Since launching last year, 125 young people have begun Shared Lives arrangements across 37 local authorities, and 80% are now in education, employment, or training, compared with 61% of care leavers nationally.
One of those success stories is happening in Calderdale.
Jo and her husband had cared for a young person since childhood. As her 18th birthday approached, Jo worried about what adulthood would mean – especially when traditional services didn’t feel like the right fit.
When they were introduced to the team at Shared Lives Calderdale, everything shifted. The scheme explained that Shared Lives would allow their young person to continue living with them into adulthood, offering stability while supporting her growing independence.
“Our details were shared with Shared Lives Calderdale, who explained the service and how they could help us. As our young person had lived with us for 12 years as a child looked after, it made sense for her to remain with us under Shared Lives.”
The approval process brought reassurance. Jo’s Shared Lives Officer guided them through assessments and paperwork, staying in close contact:
“I received weekly, sometimes daily, emails when I had questions. I wanted to make sure we were going to get things right for my young person.”
Zara Hetherington, Manager of Calderdale Shared Lives, says early, open conversations are key. Her team works closely with carers from the very start, explaining what Shared Lives involves and maintaining regular contact throughout the assessment process.
They also collaborate with Pathways and Transitions teams so Shared Lives support begins long before a young person turns 18. This ensures a smooth, natural transition into adulthood.
And support doesn’t end with approval. The scheme helps young people and carers connect with local services – such as Healthy Minds for support with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications or emotional wellbeing – and offers training and a buddy system to help new carers feel confident.
“We build relationships based on openness and honesty. Training through Shared Lives Plus, transitional safeguarding workshops, and positive risk-taking sessions help carers feel confident supporting young people as they move into adulthood,” says Zara.
Jo admits she was initially anxious about new professionals entering her young person’s life and about the uncertainty of becoming an adult. But those worries quickly eased.
“Everyone she met from Shared Lives has seen her and spoken to her, making her feel at ease. It was important she knew this service would support her.”
Over time, Jo has seen remarkable growth. Her young person now enjoys sessions with her Shared Lives Officer, attends social events, and has made new friends.
“She’s thriving and flourishing in adulthood after being so fearful of turning 18. She went from needing reassurance in every decision to managing her daily life herself. Seeing how far she’s come makes me incredibly proud.”
For Jo, the heart of Shared Lives is continuity:
“There’s excitement about independence but also fear of losing stability. Young people need to know someone is still in their corner – someone who listens, believes in them, and stays with them as they take those next steps.”
Shared Lives bridges that gap, combining practical support with emotional reassurance in a family setting.
Zara agrees:
“We’ve seen many successes where young people move from fostering placements into Shared Lives. It continues the familiar, nurturing environment they already know, while helping them build the confidence they need for adulthood.”
Shared Lives Calderdale has supported young people who’ve experienced trauma to rebuild their lives – including one young man who is now in employment, travels independently, and has reconnected with his birth family. Another young woman has gone on to study at university while staying in her Shared Lives placement.
The scheme also prioritises co-production by involving supported people in designing social events that help build friendships and confidence.
For Jo, being a Shared Lives carer is one of the most rewarding experiences of her life:
“You’re not just offering a place to stay – you’re offering patience, consistency, and a sense of belonging at a time when it’s needed most.”
Her advice to anyone considering it:
“Absolutely do it, but do it with your heart open and your expectations realistic. It isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, visit: www.startyoursharedlife.today
To learn more about the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme, visit: Programme information and background
To learn more about Calderdale Shared Lives, visit: Calderdale Council website
