“He’s part of our family”: Dianne and Andrew’s Shared Lives story

Shared Lives can start with a short stay but for many people, it becomes something much more.

When Dianne talks about Andrew, she doesn’t describe him as someone she supports – she talks about him as family. Dianne has been a Shared Lives carer for almost 30 years, but one relationship has shaped her life more than any other: her long-standing match with Andrew.

Andrew came to stay with Dianne nearly three decades ago through Shared Lives Sheffield. What began as a planned overnight stay soon grew into something permanent. “He’s been here ever since,” Dianne says.

From those early days, Andrew settled into Dianne’s home and into everyday family life. Over time, she saw him grow in confidence and independence. “He was very self-sufficient,” she says. “He went out to work every day and managed really well. You couldn’t meet a nicer man.”

Andrew built routines, travelled independently, and became an active part of his life and the people around him. Although changes to employment schemes later affected his working life, he continued to stay busy and connected.

He now attends ArtWorks, a Sheffield-based creative service for adults with a learning disability. He goes every day and enjoys the structure, routine and chance to take part in creative work.

Now 63, Andrew has been part of Dianne’s life for longer than her own children lived at home. “He’s absolutely part of the family,” she says. “I have two children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren – and Andrew is included in it all. They all love him.”

Holidays are a long-standing tradition. For about 25 years, they have been going together, mainly to Benalmádena, where Andrew has made many friends.

As Andrew’s eyesight has deteriorated, his needs have changed, but the relationship at the heart of it has stayed the same. “You do have odd days when you annoy one another,” Dianne says. “But that’s just family, isn’t it?”

Dianne also speaks highly of the Sheffield Shared Lives team: “If you’ve got a problem, you just pick up the phone and they are always there.”

For Dianne, becoming a Shared Lives carer is simple: “Go for it,” she says. “You’ve just got to love.”

Stories like this show what Shared Lives can make possible – not just support, but relationships that last, a stable home, and a real sense of belonging. As part of Shared Lives Week, we’re encouraging people to help us #ShoutAboutSharedLives and tell one person about Shared Lives. If more people knew about Shared Lives, more lives would change.

If Dianne and Andrew’s story has inspired you to consider becoming a Shared Lives carer, visit www.startyoursharedlife.today.