People living with dementia shape new support to ‘Live More’

Andy & Matt, Oldham Shared Lives 

Andy (on the left) has been spending meaningful time with his Shared Lives carer, Matt (pictured right), matched together by Oldham Shared Lives scheme, as part of the Live More pilot. Andy and Matt are a great match. They quickly discovered a mutual passion for history and transport, and Andy was keen to revisit some of the interests from his working life, as he previously worked in public transport as a mechanic. To build on this shared interest, they planned a trip to the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester.  

They spent the day exploring old vehicles, swapping stories, laughing together, and enjoying a coffee while chatting about Andy’s memories from his years in the transport world. By the end of the trip, they were already planning where to go next. This connection has given Andy the chance to rediscover the hobbies and environments he’s always loved, with the support of someone who genuinely shares his interests.  

Putting people’s experiences at the centre of evaluation – ways to get involved  

As Live More grows, we want to make sure the people involved — and what they experience — stay at the heart of the programme. That’s why, as part of evaluating Live More, we’re focusing on people’s stories and what they share about their lives, including people living with dementia, their families, and Shared Lives carers. 

Two parts of this are taking shape:  

The Digital Scrapbook 

Our new digital scrapbook is capturing moments, reflections, photos and quotes from people taking part in Live More across the country. It offers a space where supported people, Sharers, families and schemes can share what matters most to them, in their own words and in their own way. This evolving collection of stories is helping us understand the real day-to-day impact of the programme, far beyond numbers alone. 

Community Gatherings 

The Live More Community Gatherings offer another opportunity to listen closely to lived experience. These informal, friendly sessions bring people together to socialise, try activities, and connect with others, while also giving us a chance to hear directly from participants about what’s working, what they value, and what support helps them live well. 

Together, these approaches ensure that the evaluation isn’t just about measures and outcomes, but about people. Their voices will be central to shaping the evidence base we need to build a strong case for the future of early-action Shared Lives support for people with dementia, and to help us secure sustainable funding for this preventative model beyond the life of the programme. 

Strengthening Our Community of Practice 

One of the most promising outcomes emerging from Live More is a national Community of Practice. What began with schemes in Greater Manchester, has now grown into a much wider learning network, bringing together Shared Lives teams from across the UK who are exploring how Shared Lives support can make a difference for people living with dementia. 

This Community of Practice has become a shared space where schemes can connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. Whether a scheme is well established or just beginning to shape its offer, everyone is contributing something valuable. 

Together, schemes are: 

• Sharing tools and practical resources 

• Exploring creative approaches to matching and support sessions 

• Discussing training needs and learning from each other’s development work 

• Solving challenges collectively 

• Celebrating successes and stories in different regions 

• Building a shared understanding of what high quality earlier Shared Lives dementia practice looks like nationally 

By working together nationally, schemes are strengthening their local delivery and also the wider movement. It means Live More is evolving through collaboration and informed by practice and by the perspectives of schemes across the country. 

If you’d like to find out more, contact the Live More team