Shared Lives ambassador Vicky shortlisted for national Learning Disabilities & Autism Award

Vicky, who is supported by Shared Lives West Northamptonshire, has been named a finalist in the Making a Difference category, which recognises people who work creatively and passionately to promote inclusion, belonging and equal access within their local area, helping make positive change happen in people’s lives.

As an ambassador for the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme, Vicky helps raise awareness of Shared Lives and speaks up about the importance of relationships, inclusion and belonging.

She represents Shared Lives nationally and has contributed to recruitment panels and interviews, helping social workers and carers improve support for young people. She also co-delivers Oliver McGowan training for two local organisations and supports Shared Lives West Northamptonshire by sitting on approval panels for new Shared Lives carers and helping run awareness events to promote the scheme.

Through Shared Lives, young people are matched with trained Shared Lives carers who share their home, family and community life. This helps young people build relationships, independence and confidence at their own pace. The model allows young people to stay as long as they need, with no fixed time limit.

Vicky also featured in a short film released by Shared Lives Plus alongside other ambassadors, sharing how Shared Lives has supported her to build independence and identity.

Outside her ambassador work, Vicky is a stage technician at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton and a Rainbows Leader with Girlguiding.

Caroline Ritchie, Scheme Manager at Shared Lives West Northamptonshire said:

“We recognise Vicky’s amazing achievements and are very proud of her. We are also proud of the support from her Shared Lives carer, Jane, who has been there every step of the way for Vicky. Well done, Vicky, on your nomination and keep being a credit to the Shared Lives West Northamptonshire scheme.”

The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards celebrate excellence across the care and support sector and recognise individuals and organisations making a real difference in people’s lives.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19th June 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham.

Watch the short film featuring Vicky: Freedom, family and fun – care leavers share their Shared Lives stories on film

Find out more the awards: National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026