“My whole life is different”: How Shared Lives helped Lisa find happiness again

Before moving into Shared Lives, Lisa was struggling. After losing her children, she experienced depression and was admitted to hospital. When her social worker suggested Shared Lives, she hoped it could help her rebuild her life.

In July 2025, Lisa moved in with Dawn and Colin through Sefton New Directions Shared Lives. Less than a year later, she says her life feels completely different. “A lot has changed. I am happy and settled.”

For Dawn, becoming a Shared Lives carer came at a natural point in life. After raising five children and spending 15 years working in a breakfast, lunch and after-school club, she was used to a busy household. As her children grew older, went to university and started careers of their own, the house became much quieter.

Dawn and her husband Colin felt they still had plenty to offer and began thinking about welcoming someone into their home. “We felt we had a lot to offer with life experience and a genuine compassion for people.”

Although Dawn says welcoming someone into your home is a big step, she believes the matching process gives everyone time to get to know each other properly and build trust. “You will always find as you get to know somebody they relax more.”

Today, Lisa enjoys a fuller and more independent life. She spends time at the gym, attends local activities, visits friends and family, and enjoys days out with Dawn and Colin. She has also built close relationships with their wider family and loves spending time with their grandchildren.

“Dawn and Colin are good. They help me and give me advice. We go out to shows, for meals and days out to Manchester.”

Alongside enjoying a fuller social life, Lisa has also grown in confidence and independence. With support from Dawn and Colin, she has developed skills that help her manage everyday life and feel more in control of her future. “They have helped me become independent with my medication and give me advice with money. They support me with correspondence and bills and support me to do the things I enjoy.”

For Dawn, one of the biggest rewards has been watching Lisa become more settled and more willing to try new things. “Seeing Lisa become a happier person gives you an enormous sense of pride and pleasure.”

One moment in particular stands out. At a family gathering hosted by another Shared Lives household, Lisa spent the day meeting new people and joining in with activities. “Lisa had never met any of these people before but started to make some good friends.”

For Dawn, moments like this show what can happen when people are given opportunities to build confidence, relationships and a sense of belonging.

Dawn believes many people underestimate what they already have to offer. Growing up in a family with 12 siblings, raising five children of her own and managing family life while her husband often worked abroad taught her valuable lessons about patience, resilience and caring for others. “I think my experience of life has made being a Shared Lives carer quite a natural thing for me to do.”

She also believes many of the concerns people have about becoming a Shared Lives carer can be overcome with time and support. “You do have to have a certain nature and compassion and a caring side to be a Shared Lives carer. However, this is a journey. You learn a routine and the best solutions for yourself and the person you are caring for.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering Shared Lives, Lisa’s answer is simple: “I would encourage them to do it.”

And when asked to sum up Shared Lives, she doesn’t hesitate: “Brilliant and helpful.”

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 get in touch with your local Shared Lives scheme to find out more.