Shared Lives carers recognised at Royal reception at Windsor Castle

The reception took place at Windsor Castle on 11th February. The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also attended.

Shared Lives carers were invited in recognition of the life-changing relationships they build with people who draw on Shared Lives. Shared Lives Plus coordinated attendance, with carers and colleagues attending from Shared Lives South West, Ategi Shared Lives (Buckinghamshire and Central Bedfordshire), Shared Lives Oxfordshire, Shared Lives Herefordshire, and Shared Lives Islington.

One Shared Lives guest said: “Wow what a night, so surreal!” A scheme social worker described the reception as “a truly wonderful evening!”

Cathy McSweeney Membership Support Manager for Shared Lives Plus attended the reception alongside carers and scheme workers.  She said: 

“Most of us got meet The King or Queen, or both, and Sir Kier Starmer. I also met the general who runs the castle and told him all Shared Lives and how brilliant it is, so he can spread the word!”

Ewan King, Chief Executive of Shared Lives Plus, said:

 “Shared Lives shows what good social care looks like when it is built on relationships, trust and shared everyday life. This reception is an important national recognition of the skill, compassion and commitment Shared Lives carers bring to their role, and of the difference this kind of support makes to people’s lives.”