“Meeting you changed my life”: Toni and Tracey’s Shared Lives story 

Six years ago, Toni attended a Shared Lives Week event hosted by Shared Lives Sheffield. At the time, she was struggling to find the right day support and struck up a conversation with someone she didn’t know.

That person was Tracey.

The conversation went very well, and they soon discovered they lived near to one another.

They didn’t know it then, but that simple conversation would grow into a relationship that changed Toni’s life.

Patricia Higgins, Scheme Manager at Shared Lives Sheffield, remembers the moment clearly:

“Toni was talking about her difficulties finding the right support and Tracey overheard. Tracey said she would be happy to support Toni. They seemed to just click. When I relayed this to Toni, she was thrilled and overwhelmed that someone had chosen to support her. It really boosted her self-esteem.”

Since then, Tracey has supported Toni to build skills, confidence and independence. From learning to shop and cook meals for her sister, to getting involved in her local community, to navigating serious health challenges, Tracey has been there with care, humour and respect.

Patricia adds:

“Tracey is kind, thoughtful and embodies the Shared Lives values. She supports Toni with dignity, respect and humour and you can see the close bond that they both have. Toni has been welcomed into Tracey’s family, who are all very fond of her.”

To say thank you, Toni wrote Tracey a letter.

This is her story, in her own words.

Dear Tracey,

Six years have passed since I have met you. We have done so many fun things together and many craft activities together. You have taught me so many things – crafts I was unable to do, activities like jigsaws, painting and drawing, felt banner kits – all displayed in my loft bedroom making my room rather special.

Going to the cinema we both like, going to the Curzon to watch Downton Abbey, Lilo & Stitch, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Even board games.

You were there at hospital, supported me in my appointments, which are very important to my diabetes and health.

We’ve been on a lunch trip for over 60’s, day trip to Scarborough, enjoyed cooking, sharing lunch at each other’s houses.

You supported me at my friend’s, Mrs Charles, funeral. Mrs Charles was 106 years of age. Her faith inspired me throughout my Christian faith.

This to me is what Shared Lives is all about. Meeting you Tracey has changed my life entirely and I am more confident and independent now.

I’m looking forward to inviting you to see Sleeping Beauty at the City Hall as a Thank You for all you have done for me.

Yours faithfully, your special friend Toni

Over the years, Tracey has supported Toni through some incredibly challenging times -including serious illness, hospital stays, diabetes care, eye surgery and recovery from a cardiac arrest.

She has attended health appointments, advocated for Toni, and helped her manage her wellbeing with confidence and dignity.

Read more about Toni and Tracey’s day support activities here: “Life is for living and not to be wasted”

Today, Toni is an ambassador for Shared Lives Sheffield. She is active in her community, volunteering, building friendships, and living a fuller, more connected life.

As Toni says: “With the right carer your life can be changed forever in a good and positive way.  Life is for living and not to be wasted!”

If Toni and Tracey’s story has inspired you to become a Shared Lives carer, visit www.startyoursharedlife.today.

Find out more about Shared Lives Sheffield: Shared Lives Sheffield