Shared Lives Plus is working with 37 schemes across the UK to develop and grow Shared Lives as a positive option for care leavers, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The long-term vision is to see Shared Lives become a core part of the offer for young people leaving care – alongside Staying Put, Staying Close and Supported Lodgings.
One of the 37 schemes taking part in the programme is PSS Norfolk & Suffolk, who are supporting young people to build life skills, confidence and independence through Shared Lives arrangements tailored to their needs.
Andrew* was referred to Shared Lives in August 2024 after spending a long period in residential care. At just 16 years old, he was very shy and had dropped out of college. He was also managing several complex needs and had become heavily reliant on others for day-to-day support.
“Because of how he was, his days were quite sluggish, it was ‘is he going to be ready for that big wide world?’ – he was not there at all. He seemed so cocooned. He was reliant on people to take him out,” said a Development Worker at PSS Norfolk & Suffolk.
A carer expressed interest in supporting Andrew* and the scheme organised an extended matching process across 11 visits in total, and they began to build a relationship. Although PSS Norfolk & Suffolk had previously supported young people under the age of 18, finalising the arrangement faced delays due to a lack of understanding of Shared Lives from social services, as well as issues with the funding between Children’s and Adult’s services. Andrew* moved into a long-term arrangement with the carer in April the following year. Since then, he has made significant progress.
He now follows a routine and structure, which helps him manage daily tasks like washing, dressing, eating, preparing meals, and taking his splints off. He budgets weekly with his carer, and his personal hygiene and physical health have improved. Andrew* has also re-enrolled at college and is engaging more with the community – a big change from his time in residential care, where he would often stay in bed until late morning.
Andrew’s* move into Shared Lives filled a much-needed gap in his transition to adulthood.
“Independent living would not have suited him at all, while remaining in residential care would not have supported his growth. Shared Lives gave Andrew* the stopgap he needed. It’s helping him learn to live independently at a pace that suits him, while still having the nurturing support of a home environment.” – Development Worker in PSS Norfolk & Suffolk.
He’s now developing essential life skills that will support him well into adulthood. The relationship-based model of Shared Lives has given him the time and stability to build confidence and gradually take ownership of his future.
“There’s strict structure. He needs that to get washed and dressed. He would hardly go out before – now he’s going out a lot in the community.” – Development Worker in PSS Norfolk & Suffolk.
Navigating the funding process was one of the biggest hurdles, and the young person’s social worker was unsure how the funding would work.
The delay meant the team had to be creative.
“Andrew* wanted to move straight away and we had to stall him because the funding just wasn’t there.” The team arranged extending matching visits, including overnight stays, to maintain *Andrew’s engagement and ensure the relationship building between him and the carer. These included some joint visits with residential staff to provide *Andrew with familiarity while he got to know his new setting.
There were also challenges navigating the differences between children’s and adults’ services. This caused delays and confusion in decision-making, especially around health needs, education, and benefits.
“When Andrew* came over to Shared Lives, he had no passport, no understanding of money, or the benefits available to him as an adult. The education part of transitions is very daunting.” – (Development Worker in PSS Norfolk & Suffolk).
The team learned that stronger communication and better understanding between services is essential — and that more awareness is needed of what Shared Lives can offer care leavers as part of their pathway to independence.
Andrew* is continuing to make progress, supported by his carer and the wider Shared Lives community. He’s building skills for the future and slowly developing the confidence to take more steps towards independence.
His story shows how Shared Lives can act as a vital stepping stone for young people leaving residential care — helping them prepare emotionally and practically for adult life in a way that feels safe, supported and hopeful.
*name changed
Find out more about Shared Lives at PSS Norfolk & Suffolk:
Telephone: 01379 644423
Email: sharedliveseast@pss.org.uk
Website: www.psspeople.com
