Celebrating life-changing support: Shared Lives Plus Awards 2025

Our online ceremony, held on Wednesday 19 November after our AGM, showcased winners, highly commended nominees and special mentions.

Hosting the event, our Operations Director, Lynne Harrison, said:

“These relationships are transformative, and we are delighted to honour all our winners this year for their incredible contribution to living well and making Shared Lives and Homeshare a success.”

We presented two awards this year: the Living Well Award and the Impact Award.

The Living Well Award celebrates Shared Lives carers and Homeshare households who create warm, supportive environments where people feel safe, connected and able to thrive.

John and Stacey Darrell, from Powys, won this year’s award for the life-changing support they provide to D, a young man who initially spoke only to his mother. Through patience, consistency and quiet encouragement, D has grown in confidence, made friends and now takes part fully in community life.

In the film shown during the ceremony, Powys Scheme Manager Billy Brewer said:

“They never push or rush him – they simply offer acceptance and lots of patience. He’s made a lot of progress since he’s lived with them. It’s completely blown us all away.”

Accepting the award, John said:

“We’ve been Shared Lives carers for about 12 years. We just think it’s the best thing… You get to know someone very, very well. They do literally become part of the family unit.”

Shared Lives carer Lyn Lacey received a Highly Commended recognition for the outstanding impact she has had during 27 years of supporting people. Lyn currently shares her home with George, Marc and Niall, each supported through long-term arrangements with Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme.

With Lyn’s support:

• George now works as a pot-washer in a local restaurant
• Marc works full-time as a kitchen porter and grill chef, recently becoming a team leader
• Niall studies a City & Guilds ICT qualification and is working towards a career in computer repair

A video shown at the ceremony captured her reaction:

“It’s amazing! The recognition of how far we have come as a household is really good – getting an award is amazing!”

• Dyan and Helen, Shared Lives carers with Ategi Buckinghamshire
• Jordan, supported by Richmond Fellowship Dumfries & Galloway
• John and Nick, Homeshare household with Homeshare West

The Impact Award recognises Shared Lives schemes and Homeshare organisations making a measurable difference through innovation, collaboration or new ways of supporting people.

This year’s winner, Richmond Fellowship Dumfries and Galloway Shared Lives Scheme, impressed judges with its deeply person-centred approach and broad impact. Although small, the scheme fosters strong inclusion and belonging, enabling people to enjoy holidays, social activities and meaningful day-to-day experiences.

The nomination highlighted the work of Shared Lives Coordinator Helen Robertson, and the stories of Paul and Jordan.

• Paul has become a national and international sports competitor, a mentor to younger participants and an ambassador for the service.
• Jordan, once isolated and struggling with trauma, now represents Scotland in mainstream bowls, has developed woodworking and upholstery skills, and has gained renewed confidence and a sense of belonging.

Service Manager Tracy Ross said:

“It isn’t about a single moment of impact, but a culture that has been quietly transforming lives day in and day out… Ours is a small service in numbers, but vast in heart.”

Helen Robertson discovered they had won live during the online ceremony.

Surrey Choices received a Highly Commended award for rapid growth, innovation and strong community engagement.

Over the past year, the scheme achieved:

• a 65% increase in short breaks provision
• 16 new long-term arrangements
• 18 new carer assessments
• a 260% increase in carers’ respite nights.

The team also ran weekend training, pub nights and group outings to build connections between carers.

One parent shared that, with their daughter settled and well-supported in her arrangement, she and her husband were able to enjoy date nights again.

In a pre-recorded video, Scheme Manager Paul Dawson told the team:

“Give yourselves a massive pat on the back – you all go above and beyond every single day.”

• Gwynedd & Anglesey Shared Lives Scheme
• Islington Shared Lives Scheme (with particular recognition for scheme coordinator Petula)
• Calderdale Shared Lives Scheme

Our CEO, Ewan King, closed the event by saying:

“Our winners, those highly commended and, in fact, all of our nominees are symbolic of the attitude and commitment of everyone involved in Shared Lives and Homeshare. We are delighted to honour them for their incredible contribution to living well.”

All special-mention recipients received certificates.