Date published: March 23, 2023
Norman’s story – Moray Shared Lives
Norman has been supported by Moray Shared Lives for many years and during that time has seen huge differences in his life. He has formed many lovely friendships and recently received the John Muir Discovery Award, in recognition of awareness and responsibility for wild places.
Norman visits his Shared Lives carer Sarah every Saturday for day support. He recently joined Branching Out for 12 weeks, a programme run by Nature4Health for adults supported in mental health in Scotland, where he has learnt and practised new outdoor skills with others. During this time, he has tried various activities from hiking in nearby forests to picnics and walks in the local parks. Now that the course has finished, Sarah is intent on making sure Norman keeps hold of the special friendships he has made whilst taking part in Branching Out.
Norman’s mental health has benefited from focused and calm activities such as making a flower press, tree planting, bush craft, cooking on a fire the group made and sharing openly with the group.
Norman said, “I never had a turn (seizure) while on the Branching Out course. I felt sad when the course was ending. I was going to miss the new friends I made. I was glad they wanted to meet up again on Saturdays with my Shared Lives carer. I enjoy going to cafes or going for walks with them.”
Sarah said, “The weekly safe base and activity in the woods, with the same people returning, made a positive impact on Norman’s mental health. This created a relational bond and was maintained long-term with a monthly social meet up, using a WhatsApp group for making plans. Norman now has friends in his own peer/age group.”
Sarah is always looking into new activities to do with Norman and hopes to soon take part in supported curling sessions together. Norman’s and Sarah’s story is a wonderful example of how Shared Lives carers can introduce new activities to people’s lives which make a real difference.
