Hazel & Hillie

Hazel's Journey in Shared Lives - Life on the farm

Hazel is a dedicated Shared Lives carer who lives on a farm in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire. Originally from Norfolk, she spent 20 years fostering children and supporting adults with additional needs through Shared Lives in Norfolk. However, after her marriage ended she wanted a change, her friend Roy who owns a farm invited her to live with him. So Hazel relocated, to Buckinghamshire, where she continued her work with Shared Lives. The farm Hazel lives on with Roy is home to a variety of animals, including chickens, pigs, lambs, calves, a ram, and a boar named Barney. Hazel currently has one lady living with her full-time through Shared Lives, Hillie.

Life on the Farm

The farm Hazel lives on is not just a place of work; it’s also a sanctuary for those she supports. The diverse range of animals on the farm offers unique therapeutic opportunities for the people in her care. The presence of animals such as chickens, pigs, lambs, baby calves, and the boar Barney helps foster a nurturing environment. Those living on or visiting the farm engage in farm chores and activities, promoting both responsibility and personal development. The quiet life on the farm provides a stable environment that promotes well-being and personal growth

Hillie’s Story

One of the key individuals Hazel supports through Shared Lives is Hillie, a young woman with autism. When Hillie first came to the farm, she was quiet and shy. Over time, Hillie has grown significantly with Hazel’s support, becoming more outgoing and independent. She now holds a job at Eaton school and actively participates in farm life, taking responsibility for various chores.

Hillie’s personal growth extends beyond the farm. With support from Hazel, Hillie has visited her brother in Australia after years of not seeing each other! This trip has become an annual occurrence and even includes an adventure with Hazel and Roy, as they visited Malaysia together. This travel experience significantly contributed to her personal development and confidence.

Shared Lives and its Impact

Hazel is a strong advocate for the Shared Lives program, recommending it as a critical intermediate step for individuals transitioning to independent living. The program emphasises providing extra attention and love to help individuals like Hillie build the confidence and skills they need for independence. Hazel enjoys witnessing these transformations, seeing the positive impact her care has on people’s lives.

As well as providing long term support to Hillie, Hazel also offers Short Breaks to people. For instance, Victoria (or "Vic"), who visits Hazel’s farm for short breaks, she often prefers indoor activities like cinema over outdoor farm work. This shows how Hazel tailors her caregiving approach to meet individual preferences and needs.

Positive Changes in Hillie’s Life

Hillie’s transformation under Hazel’s care has been remarkable. Once shy and reserved, she now confidently engages with others and takes responsibility on the farm. She enjoys hobbies such as horse riding, attending Abba tribute bands, and going to the theater, all of which have helped her further build confidence and social skills.

As well as helping out on the farm Hillie works as a cleaner at Eaton. She is also considering volunteering with a charity in her community. Additionally, she enjoys baking with Hazel.

Hazel’s farm is more than just a home for animals; it’s a nurturing environment where individuals in the Shared Lives program, like Hillie, can grow and thrive. Through her dedication and care, Hazel provides a safe space for individuals to gain independence, confidence, and life skills. Her story is a testament to the power of compassionate caregiving and the profound difference it can make in someone’s life.

Do you want to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer?

If you live in Buckinghamshire, make sure you come along to our webinar where you can watch a presentation all about Shared Lives and have all your questions answered.

Details: Friday 20th September @ 10.30am

Book your place here