Joyce brings her work home in a very special way with Shared Lives

Joyce has always worked in care; she started working for Bury Council in 2006 and came over to Persona in 2015.

While working in her day job at Bolton Road Day Centre she met Nicole, who now spends every other weekend with Joyce and her family.

‘I had always wanted to be a part of Bury Shared Lives and once I had a spare room at home, I could start thinking seriously about how I could make it happen.’

Joyce knew that Nicole’s regular carers were about to retire so, after a chat with Joanne, Joyce’s line manager, there was no stopping her from stepping in!

Nicole has been staying with Joyce since January 2021 -  every other weekend she lets herself into the house and makes herself at home; welcomed by the whole family, including Joyce’s husband, children and grandchildren.

‘My advice to anyone thinking of joining Shared Lives? Make sure it’s something you and your family want to offer - Nicole feels like part of the family and it’s as if she has always been there.’

Want to know more about Bury Shared Lives? Click here.

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