2 minute read
Spreading the word
Spreading the word about Shared Lives in Slovenia
Ambassadors, Abby and Heather, and Scotland Development Officer, Nicola, were invited by Scottish Charity ‘In Control Scotland’ to talk to a group from Slovenia. The delegates were all connected to an institution for 270 people with learning disabilities that is closing. They wanted to discover different ways to support people who currently live there.
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Abby, Heather and Nicola tell us what happened here: Nicola starts: “We thought this would be a great opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives as they move on from the institution".
Abby summed it up: “it would give them an idea about how people live before moving to Shared Lives and how much of an amazing impact it has on people.” Heather also felt it was important to be involved “because Shared Lives has brought me a family and a community where I feel safe.”
The delegates were interested to hear about Shared Lives along with Heather and Abby’s story of how it has worked for them. Heather felt she wanted to share her story, and said “I have personally seen the difference. In an institution it feels like you are being watched 24 hours. In an ordinary home you get support, independence, but most importantly a loving home.”
The group asked questions about how Shared Lives carers are recruited and how Ambassadors are employed, as well as learning what a labradoodle was! Having everything we said translated into Slovenian was a new experience for all of us. However, inspiring people with the stories of happy lives that are attainable with Shared Lives made the nerves worth it! We hope we gave the group a glimpse of how Shared Lives can help people reach their potential, and in the words of Heather show “that a personal touch in care can really change someone's life.”
This was the first outing for this ‘Scotland Dream Team’, but we hope to have many opportunities to share our stories in the future. Abby has future aspirations for sharing the power of Shared Lives: “I think it would be amazing if people from other places also came over and heard our stories, it will help them so much in their future and in their jobs.”
