James, Michael and Priya’s story featured in Chat magazine

Below is the full version of their story.

James and Michael moved in with Priya, her husband and their children in October 2024 through Shared Lives. Shared Lives is a model of care where adults and young people who need support live with trained carers and share everyday family life.

“When we moved in, I felt good – a bit scared and nervous, but now this is my house,” says James proudly. “I’m excited that I have a nice family and a warm house to live in where I’m involved in discussions and my say matters.”

Michael agrees: “This house is perfect. I was nervous and scared but I was welcomed, loved and listened to. Here I matter.”

For Priya, becoming a Shared Lives carer was a natural step. “I cared for my dad 17 years with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and I was also a carer for people in their own homes. I wanted to offer care that really felt personal and supportive. With Shared Lives I can support someone, while still caring for my kids and looking after my mum. I have time to cook nice food, go for walks or shopping, or just chill and be at home.”

Priya has seen the boys flourish since they arrived: “They have settled very well and it’s a pleasure to have them.”

For James, life at Priya’s home is a world of new experiences: “I like cooking, eating different food, having clean clothes and a warm bed. Priya always talks to us and asks how I feel.”

Michael adds: “I can show off my cooking skills – I can cook all different food including Indian food. Mainly, I can be me and not have the responsibility of caring for my young brother. I have my own laptop, TV, books and colours. I wear what I want, I get haircuts, I shower every day, so I look and feel nice.”

Since moving in, the brothers have experienced things they had never tried before. “I’ve been on holiday to Blackpool in a caravan, been on theme park rides, gone bowling, to a disco, played pool, and been to the Trafford Centre,” says James. “I’ve done things I’ve never been able to do before so I’m very happy here. I get to choose, and I am helped to fulfil my goals the way I want to.”

A highlight? His first live football match: “The best day ever! I got a t-shirt and scarf for the game – it was a dream come true. Watching from a real stadium with the crowd shouting and cheering. I was very happy, and we had a takeaway after the game!”

Michael loved it too: “The live match was perfect and there was a real crowd! It was the best.”

Time together as brothers has also changed. “I love it now,” says James, “Michael is my older brother, not my carer like before. We watch sports and TV programmes together, play games, and share things. Priya and her family care for me so my brother doesn’t need to remember my medications or pack my lunch – we have time to chill and relax.”

Michael adds: “We go for long walks to different places and see lovely things. We enjoy TV programmes, game shows, music, and playing card games together. Before, I used to get tired looking after James. Now I just relax, and we spend time having fun together.”

“2024 was their first Christmas with us,” Priya remembers. “They enjoyed receiving and opening lots of presents, cooking delicious food with me, and visiting the Christmas markets.”

“I was excited about my presents as I had lots, like never before!” says James. “The food I helped make was the best Christmas food ever. It was all homemade – I cut, stirred, washed and cleaned!”

Michael adds: “I enjoyed the food I helped make without anyone shouting or fighting. And the presents – I’d never had that many before, ever!”

Looking ahead to this year, James is already planning more festive fun: “I want to go to more Christmas Markets. Priya said she will take me” he says.

Michael’s wish is simple: “I just want to stay here forever; I never want to move. I love it here. Although maybe a holiday abroad as I don’t like cold weather!”

“The excitement and happiness on their faces when they overcome their fears and see what they achieved. They have such confidence now – it makes me so proud.”

Her advice for anyone thinking about becoming a Shared Lives carer: “It’s the best thing I have ever done. Please consider being a Shared Lives carer, there are lots of people who need support.”

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, please visit www.startyoursharedlife.today