Would you welcome someone new into your family home?  

Our Shared Lives placement service matches people with learning disabilities with caring, friendly and (most importantly!) fun family homes in their local community.

Mark and Edie’s story

When Mark’s Shared Lives carer became unwell, Edie had no hesitation about welcoming Mark into her home. They had known each other for a long time as Mark used to play with Edie’s youngest son.

When the Shared Lives team asked me, I didn’t even think about it. I just said yes.

Mark and Edie smiling in t-shirts designed by Edie’s granddaughter

Discovering the theatre

When Mark came to live with Edie, he was working in a café in a local nursing home. Mark didn’t really enjoy the job, so Edie was on the lookout for new opportunities.

When they heard about inclusive performing arts group Ella Together, Mark leapt at the chance to be part of it:

The atmosphere there is like a family. He loves doing it.

Ella Together put on regular shows and support people through LAMDA performance exams. Mark recently completed his first exam, which he passed with flying colours.

Edie says the best bit about Ella Together is the confidence it’s given Mark. He took on a challenging musical solo, and received a standing ovation from a large audience:

This is the most special memory I have of Mark, seeing him standing up on that stage on his own, singing in front of 400 people. It was just amazing, it really was.

Mark added:  

I love singing!

Whilst it wasn’t in her original plans, supporting Mark and getting involved in Ella Together has brightened Edie’s retirement. She rehearses with Mark, and helps him with his scripts and exams.

Mark agreed:

It’s nice that everyone can get involved together.

Mark gets the taxi to and from Ella Together, which gives him the all-important independence that Shared Lives is all about.

Mark with Edie’s husband and sons

Living a full life

Mark is always busy – balancing his singing and drama with shopping, watching wrestling and football trips with personal assistant Tommy.

Being a Shared Lives carer is about supporting someone to live the life they love. It can be full of great moments, like this special memory Edie shared:

On the first Christmas he was here we got him a big bag of presents. The smile on his face as he opened each present, it was so big!

Become a Shared Lives carer

Edie’s message for anyone thinking about becoming a Shared Lives carer is simple:

I say go for it. It does give you a buzz, especially if you get someone like Mark.

Mark was really shy and then, all of a sudden, he got up on a stage.

It gives you a buzz – you think, I’ve helped him do that.

He wouldn’t have done that seven or eight years ago, so I must be doing something right.

Shared Lives is currently available in the Merseyside area and we are hoping to expand to other locations in the future.
For more information, including how to become a Shared Lives carer, please visit our website: www.unitedresponse.org.uk/ shared-lives

  • Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer at United Response