Below is a selection of some recent compliments that we have received.

• I am writing to thank you and Persona for the support you are giving me and Alan through Shared Lives. Since Alan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia it felt as if we were on our own to face whatever the future held.  When we found out about Shared Lives (through a friend) it was a way forward for us. Our initial meeting with you was so helpful and such a relief. You listened and understood. The volunteer you chose for Alan is a perfect match and has given him a new friend and enabled him to continue DIY projects with confidence and enjoyment. The support means that he can attend Men in Sheds sessions regularly. Your support also means that I am able to have a break and do things that I like to do, knowing that Alan is so well supported. It enables me to come back refreshed and to continue being able to support Alan. It is reassuring to know that I can contact you for advice as needed. We are both so grateful. Very best wishes.

• I count myself very lucky to have Diane, Mike and Mo there for me. You all collectively embody what Shared lives is all about. You do a marvelous job looking after your clients. Once again, thank you so much. I cannot praise Mike too highly, he is a caring guy, gets involved in anything I ask him to. His advice is always given if he can help and I respect anything he says. I am looking forward to seeing him again on Thursday. Regards and many thanks, William.

• I want to thank you for all you’ve done to try and help keep me safe. I recognise all the effort and I really appreciate it. Shared Lives gave me a safe space to live these past few months when I was in crisis. I went from being homeless, haggard and hopeless to happy and hopeful.

• Mike, a Shared Lives carer, is a fantastic guy, he is so professional and caring. He is a genuine person when he is with someone. I would trust him 100% if I had to confide in someone with any aspect of my life.

• Shared Lives have gone above and beyond to support Ann and make this a positive experience for her, since being with shared lives her mood has improved and her relationship with her parents has also improved. 

• Shared lives scheme are a very helpful service. When someone is living within your home it is vital that a healthy and trusting relationship is in place, in particular one in which you don’t feel judged. We feel that the scheme appreciates our contribution and show tremendous care for our needs too. When someone is in your space and home you need extra understanding around privacy and space for yourselves so that you can continue enjoying the role. Shared lives respects our privacy and want us to feel we can have as normal a life as possible. This I believe means that the scheme users get a much healthier relationship with the family. Thank you!

• When I was going through the matching process, I had questions about how the introductions were working due to the pandemic and what was allowed given restrictions. Diane was great and clear at communicating everything to me. I felt that I could be honest and open if I felt that a match wasn’t going to be a good fit for me.