Date published: June 17, 2026
The joy of Shared experiences and lives – Roz’s story
During Shared Lives Week, Roz and her household’s story highlights the heart of Shared Lives; ordinary family life, shared experiences, meaningful relationships and the opportunity for everyone involved to thrive. Roz, who has been a Shared Lives carer with New Directions Shared Lives for 11 years, lives with her partner Alex, their two sons, Jack and Elliot, and the two people she supports, Dilys and Stephen.
For Roz, becoming a Shared Lives carer wasn’t just a career change – it was a chance to build a life that reflected her values, supported her family and helped other people live life to the fullest. Before joining Shared Lives, Roz worked as a carer supporting people with a learning disability and older people. While she loved caring for others, balancing shift work with family life was challenging.
The idea of Shared Lives first came through a family connection. Roz’s father met his partner, Lin, who had been a Shared Lives carer for many years. “After seeing the life it gave to the supported people living with my dad and Lin, it made me want to become a Shared Lives carer,” says Roz. Like many people considering Shared Lives, Roz had some initial worries, with two young children at home.
“I wondered who we would get matched with due to having a young family. After being matched with my first supported person, I felt like I had been worrying unnecessarily. The matching process worked and they really suited our family.”
Today, family life revolves around shared experiences, individual interests and spending quality time together. While everyone has their own routines, there is always time to come together. “We like making memories together and enjoy days out,” says Roz.
Roz’s sons have grown up alongside the people she supports, and it has helped them to see people as individuals rather than a disability; “The boys get on so well with Dilys and Stephen and view them as family.”
Both Stephen and Dilys have their own personalities, interests and routines. Stephen enjoys structure and values one-to-one time with Roz, whether that’s a walk, a meal out, a concert, a cinema trip or a holiday. “He really enjoys going out with just me so we can talk through his worries,” says Roz.
Dilys loves getting out and about too, especially shopping trips, meals out and visits to Blackpool. “We spend a lot of time together and plan our days around what we would like to do, whether it’s a shopping trip, a day at the beach or just a trip to the village for coffee,” says Roz.
For Roz, Shared Lives is about creating opportunities for someone to live their best life. One memory in particular stands out for her. Early in her Shared Lives journey, Roz supported someone to go swimming for the very first time. “The look of enjoyment on his face made me feel rewarded and it melted away the difficult times we had had. I realised how rewarding my role as a Shared Lives carer is.”
It’s moments like these that remind Roz why she loves what she does. “I love the freedom we have and the ability to plan activities on the day and not be tied to a 9-to-5 work routine. It’s so person-centred and the care is tailored around Dilys and Stephen, and their needs.”
Of course, there can be challenges, but Roz says support is always available. “I find my Shared Lives scheme very supportive, and we can always work through any challenges that arise together.”
While some people assume Shared Lives is all about giving, Roz is quick to point out that carers receive so much in return…
“I get fulfilment, freedom to be a mum as well as a carer and more time to spend with my family.” She also values being able to see people grow in confidence and independence over time. “I get to see the progress and growth of my supported people and continue to watch them develop their skills.”
For anyone considering becoming a Shared Lives carer, Roz believes many of the common concerns are based on misconceptions. Anyone willing to be a carer can open up their home and family life. “You don’t need specialist experience; everybody has different skill sets that are transferable into Shared Lives. You just have to be a kind, patient and nurturing person,” says Roz.
Looking ahead, Roz hopes to achieve a personal goal of buying a house, while continuing to enjoy family adventures, walking and exploring new places. After more than a decade as a Shared Lives carer, her passion for the role remains as strong as ever.
When asked to sum up Shared Lives in a couple of sentences, she doesn’t hesitate: “It’s fulfilling and you can get the best out of life for everybody. It’s not a one-way street – it’s shared experiences that bring happiness on both sides.”
Get involved with this year’s Shared Lives Week and support us to ‘Shout about Shared Lives’ and ‘tell one person’ so that more people can be supported, and more lives can change.
If you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, visit www.startyoursharedlife.today and reach out to your local scheme.
