Freedom, family and fun – care leavers share their Shared Lives stories on film

Gracie, one of the ambassadors featured in the film, shares what Shared Lives has meant for her:

“It enabled me with a lot of freedom to be independent, and I just didn’t ever think that would be a thing for carers to do. It’s just made me feel like I can be my own individual person, which I’ve never had before.

Having Shared Lives has really improved my social circle and it’s helped me grow my sense of style. No one shames me or makes me feel different. Just being able to live life as an adult, which I never thought I’d have the freedom for, has made me grow as an adult and as a person.”

Throughout November, our ambassadors will take over Shared Lives Plus’ social media channels – sharing stories, busting myths, and highlighting training for foster carers who want to continue supporting young people into adulthood.

Every year, thousands of young people leave care without the stability they need.

• There are 84,000 children in care in England, and anoter 92,000 care leavers aged 18–25.
• 81% of children in residential care are disabled or have special educational needs, yet many do not qualify for adult social care support.
• 1 in 3 care-experienced young people become homeless within two years of leaving care.
• Half of the prison population under 25 have care experience.
• Support often drops away after age 21, despite ongoing need.
• Ofsted has found that more than a third of care leavers feel they leave care too soon.

The transition to adulthood can feel like a cliff edge – but Shared Lives offers a bridge.

The Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme matches young people – often with a learning disability, autism, or mental health challenges – with trained Shared Lives carers who open their homes to provide safe, supportive family environments.

By working closely with local authorities, the NHS, voluntary organisations, and housing providers, we are helping expand local services, improve outcomes, and reduce pressures on social care.

Since launching last year:

• 115 young people have started Shared Lives arrangements across 37 different local authorities nationally.
• 79% are in education, employment, or training – compared with 61% of care leavers nationally.
• Young people can stay as long as they need, with no time limit.
• Foster carers can become Shared Lives carers, allowing young people to remain in homes they know and trust.

Ewan King, CEO of Shared Lives Plus, adds:

“Thousands of 18-year-olds face a care cliff every year – expected to leave care and become independent overnight, just when they need stability the most.

National Care Leavers’ Month is a chance to celebrate resilience and highlight solutions that work, such as our Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme. Evidence shows this model not only delivers better outcomes but also saves money for councils.

Our aim is for Shared Lives to be included in national guidance for Staying Close, as it becomes a duty for all local authorities to provide.”

Find out more about the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme.