Shared Lives – a life-changing option for young people leaving care
Gracie features on the latest episode of BASW's Let Talk Social Work podcast where she discusses her experiences as a care leaver, the impact that social work has had on her life, and the difference that Shared Lives made in supporting her transition from care to adulthood. In this blog, Gracie shares how she hopes her role within the Shared Lives for young people leaving care programme will empower more young people and care leavers.
My experience
Before I moved into Shared Lives, my mental health was at its lowest. Home life had been difficult for a long time and, by 17, I found myself facing homelessness. At this point in my life, I didn't just feel scared about where I was going to live – I was undiagnosed with autism; it felt like everything in my head was in the wrong order, and I felt I should be one way to the world but that’s not how or who I was.
The list of options presented to me was overwhelming, how was I going to take care of myself when I didn’t know how? I only had a small circle of family who had my back and supported me through my early adulthood.
Everything changed when I moved into Shared Lives.
For me, Shared Lives wasn't just somewhere to live. It was finally having people around me who listened, cared and believed in me – it is amazing what can be achieved when you have this. I learned everyday life skills, became confident managing my money, travelling independently and asking for help when I needed it.
What I've learned is that home isn't just a building. Home is the people who make you feel safe, who notice how you're feeling, who remember your favourite meal and ask how your day has been. Those relationships gave me the confidence to become the person I am today.
My role as a Shared Lives ambassador
After becoming an ambassador for Shared Lives Plus, I was able to further build my confidence using skills I have picked up along the way to reach new heights and overcome my biggest fear of social anxiety - I was no longer timid of everything.
People often describe leaving care as a "cliff edge", and that's exactly what I’ve heard from care experienced young people since being part of this programme.
For care leavers and other young people who need some support into adulthood, it’s like being left to balance on the edge of life with an undetermined future. The pathways in life are not visible, and it feels like you’re dangling into an unsafe world with no parachute. It makes life harder to not see the options in front of that, the options that can save your life. You're expected to become independent overnight, but many young people simply haven't had the chance to learn the skills or build the confidence they need.
Positively, since 2024, our programme has transformed lives, avoiding that “cliff-edge” by supporting 183 care experienced people into Shared Lives arrangements with 73% of young people remaining with a carer they already knew and trusted.
The impact social workers have
One of the things I hope is taken away from the podcast is just how important social workers are. Every young person's experience is different. Taking the time to really listen, can change someone's future. Social workers often don't realise just how much their compassion and persistence mean to the people they support.
I also want more social workers to know about Shared Lives. Before I experienced it, I'd never heard of it. Looking back, I believe finding Shared Lives completely changed the path of my life. Every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, supported and part of a family, especially when they're taking those first steps into adulthood.
I hope you'll listen to the podcast. Whether you're a social worker, work for a local authority, or support young people in any way, I hope my story reminds you that the right support, at the right time, can make all the difference. And if hearing about Shared Lives means more young people are offered that opportunity, then sharing my experience has been worthwhile.
The full episode of 'Ending the Care Cliff Edge' is available to listen for free on our Acast platform here.
