New BASW podcast explores how Shared Lives helps end the leaving care ‘cliff edge’

The episode features Shared Lives Plus colleagues Rachel Leslie and Mary Stokes alongside Shared Lives ambassador Gracie. Together with host Jonny Adamson, they explore the sudden changes many young people face as they move into adulthood, why relationships matter so much, and how Shared Lives can help young people build lasting connections.

Drawing on her own lived experience, Gracie shares how being asked to leave home at 17 left her frightened and unsure who she could trust. She explains how the experience left her struggling to trust others before finding stability through Shared Lives.

“I came into Shared Lives thinking that I couldn’t trust anyone… if my own family can let me down, how can I trust a stranger?… It really was such a struggle to overcome that barrier and kind of find that stability in life.”

Rachel explains that while turning 18 often brings changes to funding, housing and support, it’s relationships that have the greatest impact on young people’s lives.

“The thing that comes through loud and clear is how important relationships are, to our well-being, our feelings of stability, and therefore just our general life.”

She goes on to describe how Shared Lives helps young people build lasting relationships.

“That relationship, and that enduring relationship, it’s about love, and it’s about belonging.”

The conversation explores why stable, long-term relationships are so important for care-experienced young people, particularly those with a learning disability, autism, neurodiversity or complex trauma. Rather than focusing solely on services, the podcast highlights the importance of relationships that provide love, belonging and stability throughout a young person’s journey into adulthood.

Mary reflects on why those relationships matter, reminding listeners:

“Most young people still rely on parents, family and trusted adults, far beyond reaching 18 and care experienced young people deserve the same love, support, stability and opportunity to thrive.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Gracie shares a powerful reminder for everyone working with young people.

“Social workers really do make a difference. You are remembered.”

The episode also explores homelessness, employment, transition planning and the importance of listening to the voices of care-experienced young people when designing future services.

Whether you’re a social worker, commissioner, Shared Lives scheme, policymaker or anyone interested in improving outcomes for care-experienced young people, the conversation offers practical insights alongside powerful lived experience.

We’d like to thank BASW for inviting us to be part of the podcast and discussing the challenges facing care-experienced young people. We’re especially grateful to Gracie for sharing her experiences so openly and honestly to help improve understanding and inspire change.

Alongside the podcast, Gracie has also written a personal blog for BASW reflecting on the difference Shared Lives has made to her life, what she hopes social workers and other professionals take from her experience, and why she wants more young people to know Shared Lives is an option.

The podcast follows the publication of our Young People Leaving Care Programme Impact Report 2024–2026, which highlights two years of evidence showing how Shared Lives is helping care-experienced young people build stable, fulfilling futures through lasting relationships.

Listen to the podcast:

Apple – Ending the Cliff Edge for Care…–Let’s Talk Social Work – Apple Podcasts

Spotify – Ending the Cliff Edge for Care Leavers – Let’s Talk Social Work | Podcast on Spotify

Acast – Ending the Cliff Edge for Care Leavers – Let’s Talk Social Work | Acast

Read Gracie’s blog on the BASW website

Find out more:

• Young people leaving care programme: Impact report 2024 – 2026

• Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care Programme