“Shared Lives is the path to a happy life” – Jake, Angie and Emma’s story

Before Shared Lives, Jake was living in Michael’s House, a hostel. “I felt unhappy and depressed living there,” he says. “I didn’t do much in the day because I didn’t have any money or a job.” 

Although Jake knew life wasn’t where he wanted it to be, it took encouragement from the people supporting him to realise there could be something better. 

“My support worker helped me understand that I needed to move on and improve my life. Only when they helped me did I realise how much better things should be.” A social worker introduced Jake to Shared Lives, and although he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, he felt it could be an opportunity to move forward. 

At around the same time, Emma was already building her journey as a Shared Lives carer. Working for the NHS Learning Disability Team, she first discovered Shared Lives during a visit to another carer’s home. “I watched how it all worked, with people coming and going to work and college, and a light came on for me,” she remembers. “I knew it was something I could and wanted to do.” 

After training and approval, Emma began supporting people through respite care before being offered a long-term match with Jake. “He came to stay a few times, and I could see on first meeting what a wonderful young man he really was and is.” 

The move into Shared Lives wasn’t an overnight transformation. Like many people moving into a new home, Jake needed time to settle. “The first night I lived with my new family, I slept for 12 hours… I was so tired.” 

But it wasn’t long before things began to change. “In the beginning Jake spent a lot of time with me, going where I went until he found his feet,” says Emma. “He did that very quickly.” 

Jake started volunteering at a local café and at The Crumbs Project, a training centre for adults with disabilities. Emma helped him sort out his benefits and Personal Independence Payment, creating a stable foundation from which he could move forward. 

Jake joined Slimming World, adopted healthier habits, lost more than three stone, built friendships and developed a routine that gave him purpose. Today he volunteers, works, attends courses, enjoys football, snooker and bingo, and spends time helping an elderly friend with sight loss. “I am busy every day,” he says proudly. 

For Jake, however, the biggest difference isn’t his achievements – it’s the feeling of belonging. 

Over the years, Emma and Jake have celebrated plenty of milestones together. One of their favourite memories is a trip to Weymouth after Jake won a short break through his volunteering achievements. “We had lots of fun in the sun,” says Jake. 

There have been awards, certificates and achievements along the way. Recently, after seven years of volunteering at the same café, Jake was offered a paid position as a supervisor. “We are overjoyed,” says Emma. “His job coach nearly cried when he heard the news.” 

Jake is equally proud of how far he has come. “My whole life has changed since being part of Shared Lives. I have confidence and feel secure and happy. I know that I am appreciated and part of a loving home.” 

But Shared Lives has changed Emma’s life too. People often assume the role is entirely about what carers give, but Emma says she receives just as much in return. “I can honestly say that life without Jake would be dull.” 

As a single parent raising her daughter, Emma says she hadn’t realised how isolated she sometimes felt until her household became fuller and busier. “We have come to rely on each other in so many ways… everyone that meets Jake says what a breath of fresh air he is. When Jake walks in the front door, in comes the sunshine.” 

Today, Emma’s home is shared with her daughter, Jake, and Angie, another person supported through Shared Lives. The household has its own routines. Everyone has jobs to do before heading off to work, college, volunteering or activities. In the evenings they come back together, sharing meals, games, television or simply their own space. “No pressure or demands,” says Emma. “We all choose.” 

One recent moment perfectly captured what Shared Lives means to Angie. After returning from a respite stay elsewhere, Angie announced she never wanted to go back. Emma asked what had been wrong. Had she disliked the house? The food? The carer? 

“No,” Angela replied after some thought. “I like it here.” 

“That made my heart sing a bit,” Emma says.

Jake has plenty of ambitions for the future. He would like to become even more independent and jokes that one day he hopes to open a Slimming World restaurant. Emma’s dream is equally ambitious. “I’d love to buy a huge house and fill it with people supported in Shared Lives.” Neither has any regrets about the path that brought them together. 

When asked what he would say to someone considering Shared Lives, Jake’s answer is simple, “Don’t think too hard – just do it. If your match works, it’s a good life and you feel supported and not scared about the future anymore.” 

Emma sums up being a Shared Lives carer in one sentence, “The most amazing and exciting role I have been brave enough to try, with no regrets.” 

Together, their story shows what Shared Lives is truly about; not just support, but friendship, belonging, opportunity and family. Or, as Jake puts it: “Shared Lives – the path to a happy life.” 

If you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer visit www.startyoursharedlife.today