Juliet, Michelle, Chloe, Kelly & Emma

Juliet's Journey with Shared Lives

Juliet, based in Buckinghamshire, has been a dedicated carer for individuals with additional needs for many years. Alongside her husband Charles, Juliet transitioned from being a foster carer to a Shared Lives carer in 2009, becoming the first Shared Lives carer for Ategi in Buckinghamshire. The couple supports four women — Michelle, Kelly, Chloe, and Emma — all of whom have varying needs, including autism, speech impediments, and mental health challenges. Juliet is also supporting a young girl, initially fostered and now on a special Guardianship, adding to her extensive experience in caregiving.

Initial Challenges:

Juliet’s caregiving journey began when she started fostering Michelle, who has been with her since the age of four. Michelle, like the other women Juliet cares for, faced significant challenges due to her disabilities, mental health issues, and physical limitations. Before Shared Lives, there were limited options available to support Michelle, raising concerns about her ability to live independently.

Transitioning from fostering to Shared Lives:

The introduction of Shared Lives provided Juliet and her family with the necessary framework and support to continue caring for Michelle and the other women in a more structured environment. This transition was crucial in ensuring that the women had a stable, supportive home where they could thrive. Shared Lives offered ongoing training for Juliet, regular support from coordinators, and a community that understood and catered to the specific needs of individuals like Michelle.

Daily Life and Activities:

Juliet has worked in social care for 37 years and uses her extensive experience to enrich the lives of the women she supports. The women are encouraged to gain independence while still having the support they need. Juliet and Charles have created a nurturing environment at home, complete with pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, a tortoise, and a dog named Lucky, who also serves as an emotional support animal. These elements contribute to a sense of belonging and stability.

The women being supported are involved in a variety of activities, which have significantly boosted their confidence and social skills. They participate in self-defence classes, where they’ve earned belts, joined clubs such as Morris dancing and Zumba, and engage in community events like the Leighton Buzzard Carnival and an upcoming Pride event. These activities are essential in helping them develop a sense of independence and accomplishment.

Ategi’s role in supporting Shared Lives carers

The support from Ategi has been invaluable in this journey. Juliet highlights the professionalism, empathy, and dedication of the Ategi coordinators, particularly Danielle and Jade, who are beloved by the women. The ongoing relationship with Ategi provides Juliet with the confidence to leave the women in the coordinators’ care, knowing they are in safe hands. Ategi’s training and guidance have been instrumental in ensuring that the care provided is of the highest standard.

Shared Lives supporting people to grow

The women have shown remarkable progress since being under Juliet’s care through Shared Lives. They have become more confident, are willing to try new things, and have gained various skills. Their participation in clubs, defence courses, and public events has not only helped them socially but has also given them a sense of achievement. Juliet’s approach to care, which balances independence with support, has allowed the women to grow into more self-assured individuals.

Juliet's experience

"We've been with Ategi Shared Lives a long time, we've found them to be professional, kind and willing to listen, and they're always there to support us. They care about the young people and the person we support, they're invested. We love seeing the girls we support grow in confidence, seeing them grow into young women. Earning their trust. I enjoy the challenge. I feel proud to be part of it"

Juliet finds immense joy and fulfilment in her role. She takes pride in seeing the women grow in confidence and develop into strong young women. The sense of loyalty, care, and support that comes with being part of Shared Lives is deeply valued by Juliet. She appreciates the challenge that comes with her role and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those she supports.

Juliet also reflects on the importance of having a family-oriented approach to care. Her personal experiences, including her upbringing by a loving Spanish mother, have shaped her understanding of the importance of warmth, empathy, and security in caregiving.

The impact of Shared Lives

Juliet exemplifies the profound impact that a supportive, structured caregiving system like Shared Lives can have on individuals with additional needs. Through her dedication, Juliet has not only provided a safe and nurturing environment for the women she cares for but has also empowered them to achieve greater independence and confidence. The support from Ategi has been crucial in this journey, ensuring that Juliet and her family can continue to offer high-quality care. Juliet’s story is a testament to the power of community, empathy, and professional support in transforming lives.

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