“I am here… to be seen”: How Ian is making his home his own and enjoying new friendships with Shared Lives

This Scottish Learning Disability Week (7th – 13th September), we’re sharing Ian’s story as part of this year’s theme, “I am here… to be seen.”

The theme is about people with a learning disability being seen, heard, included and valued.

Ian, who has Down syndrome, lives in supported accommodation in Moray.

He recently lost his stepdad, who he had lived with for some time. His Shared Lives carer, Roslyn, has supported Ian through this difficult period while helping him settle into his flat and make it feel like his own.

When Ian first moved in, he spent much of his time in his bedroom watching television. Since then, Ian and Roslyn have been working together to make the whole flat somewhere he can enjoy.

Ian is a big Rangers fan, so they decorated his bedroom in his favourite team’s colours. They also added a small table and chairs to his kitchen area, where Ian can sit and eat his meals. More recently, they have finished the living room, adding a new carpet and soft furnishings to make it more comfortable.

They already have their next project planned. This winter, Ian and Roslyn hope to turn the spare bedroom into a games room, inspired by the one at Roslyn’s house.

Ian and Roslyn also spend their days getting out and doing things Ian enjoys. Every few weeks, they go to Dreamtime at Elgin Community Centre, where Ian meets other people, listens to music and dances.

When Ian first started going, he mostly watched what other people were doing. Now he chooses a favourite song and gets up to dance with his friends. Roslyn says his confidence has come on in “leaps and bounds”.

Diane Mcleary, Shared Lives Officer for Health and Social Care Moray, recently joined Ian and Roslyn at Dreamtime.

“It was lovely to see Ian so happy, sociable and relaxed at the club. He was dancing with others, showing off his own dance moves and clearly enjoying being part of the group.”

The people around Ian have also noticed how much he looks forward to his Shared Lives days. At a recent review, a team leader where Ian lives said he is “noticeably more animated when he is getting ready for his Shared Lives day”. She also spoke about the positive relationship Ian and Roslyn have built.

Ian’s support brings together Roslyn, his social worker, Moray’s Community Support Service and staff where he lives. At the centre of that support is Ian – what matters to him, what he enjoys and how he wants to spend his time.

When Diane asked Ian if he enjoyed his time with Roslyn, he gave her a big smile and a thumbs up.

Ian’s story shows what being “here to be seen” means in Shared Lives: having your choices listened to, doing the things you enjoy and having support to live the life you want.

Find out more about Scottish Learning Disability Week 2026

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