Shared Lives Plus Community

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing stories from people taking part in Live More with Shared Lives – our Greater Manchester pilot supporting people living with dementia and their families before they reach crisis point.

We're starting with Elaine, a Shared Lives carer with Stockport Council Shared Lives.

Every week, Elaine spends time with people doing the everyday things that bring connection and joy – going for a coffee, shopping, bowling or simply having someone to talk to.

One woman she supports told her: "You're the highlight of my week."

Elaine says: "I do things with them, not just for them. They don't see me as a carer. They see me as a friend."

Read Elaine's story and find out how Live More is helping people stay active, connected and well: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/07/08/i-do-things-with-them-not-for-them-how-elaine-is-making-a-difference-with-live-more/

* Image: Centre for Ageing Better image library (used for illustration).

Why does lived experience matter?

During Social Care Institute for Excellence's Co-production Week 2026, we're celebrating the people who help shape Shared Lives through their experiences, ideas and insights.

One of those people is Katie, who helped recruit a new Shared Lives officer for Coventry Shared Lives by developing interview questions and joining the interview panel.

Her story shows how involving people in decisions can help create better support for everyone.

Read the full story on our website: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/29/co-production-week-2026-putting-lived-experience-at-the-heart-of-decision-making/

🎧 Make sure you’re listening to BBC Radio Wales from 8:30am tomorrow to hear Dan and Kyle from Shared Lives South East Wales! 🎙️

🌟 Tune in this Saturday! (Tomorrow) 🌟

Make sure you’re listening to BBC Radio Wales from 8:30am this Saturday to hear Dan and Kyle share their incredible story 🎙️💙

This is such an exciting opportunity for us to shine a light on Shared Lives and the amazing difference the service makes in enhancing the lives of others.
Dan and Kyle will be heading into the studio for the interview – we can’t wait to see photos from your experience! 📸

Good luck both – you’ll be brilliant! 🙌

🌟 Gwrandewch ddydd Sadwrn yma! (Yfory) 🌟

Gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod chi'n gwrando ar BBC Radio Wales o 8.30am ymlaen ddydd Sadwrn yma i glywed Dan a Kyle yn rhannu eu stori anhygoel. 🎙️💙

Mae hwn yn gyfle mor gyffrous i ni dynnu sylw at Cysylltu Bywydau a'r gwahaniaeth anhygoel y mae'r gwasanaeth yn ei wneud wrth wella bywydau eraill.
Bydd Dan a Kyle yn mynd i'r stiwdio ar gyfer y cyfweliad – rydyn ni'n edrych ymlaen at weld lluniau o'ch profiad! 📸

Pob lwc – byddwch chi'n wych! 🙌

Shared Lives Plus Community Caerphilly County Borough Council Blaenau Gwent CBC Merthyr Tydfil CBC Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Monmouthshire Newport City Council Torfaen Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Huge congratulations to Oxfordshire Shared Lives Scheme carers Iuliana Constantinescu and Ionel Nicolae (Nick), who have been recognised as finalists in the 2026 Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers Carer Awards for their extraordinary dedication to changing lives through compassionate, person-centred support.

From stepping in during emergencies, to creating a home built on inclusion, warmth and opportunity, Iuliana and Nick truly represent the very best of what Shared Lives can achieve.

Recognition like this shines a light on the life-changing work happening across Shared Lives schemes every day.

Read the story: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/23/oxfordshire-shared-lives-carers-recognised-as-finalists-at-2026-oacp-carer-awards/