Shared Lives Week - Support for Natasha

Specialist Day Service provider Muntsy's and Shared Lives carers Steve and Kelly are providing support for Natasha to enable her to thrive and become more independent.

Natasha, who has identified care and support needs, has been with her carers Steve and Kelly since she was 9 years old, first through Fostering and then through Shared Lives.

She loves being with her carers: "We go on holiday for weekends away about five times a year and they have a house in Spain which is very hot. They are lovely people and take us out to different places. They also provide respite care for other young people of my age and older - sometimes for a weekend or week.

"I love living with them and never want to leave," she added in a video to highlight Shared Lives Week (24-28 June).

Shared Lives is an alternative to supported living, home care and residential care homes. It is for people aged over 16 years who have a learning or physical disability, have mental health concerns, dementia and have identified care and support needs. Dorset Shared Lives arranges long-term, short-term, respite or day support.

Natasha has an Education, Health and Care Plan and spends three days a week at college where she is on a Foundation Living Developing Skills course, studying English, Maths and Outdoor Education. She plans to attend college for a further two years and would like to complete an internship in the future.

Two days a week are spent at Muntsy's on Portland, which offers a day service for adults with additional support needs or learning disabilities who wish to develop their independence. Natasha enjoys sewing, swimming, health and well-being, life skills and other activities.

She added: "I wouldn't change anything - Steve and Kelly are very nice people. I recommend them to other people. If they have special needs like me they'd be very welcome to come and respite with us."

Sue Munts, the director of Muntsy's, said: "It's great to be working with Natasha, her carers and the Shared Lives team to support Natasha to develop her independent living skills, confidence and well-being. This team approach is very effective and enables Natasha to develop and achieve her outcomes."

Julia Ingram, Dorset Council Adult Social Care (Operations) Director, said: "It is fantastic to see how Muntsy's and the Shared Lives carers Steve and Kelly are enabling Natasha to become more independent and thrive in her community.

"Shared Lives carers support the needs of vulnerable adults in a supportive home setting where they can become part of the household and community. We would encourage anyone considering becoming a carer, or who would like to find out more, to contact our Shared Lives team."

 

Notes to Editors

Muntsy's run 17 groups that are based in centres in Portland, Dorchester and Weymouth. Activities are outcome led and are run and supported by a team of committed and dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of talent from the arts, business, care and industry, and education sectors. The core team comes from an educational setting and have many years of experience in teaching and learning in the Special Educational Needs field. For more information - Muntsy's - Day services for people with learning disabilities (muntsys.org)

To see the Shared Lives video about Natasha - Shared Lives Day Service Video (youtube.com)

For more information about Dorset Council's Shared Lives offer - Shared Lives - Dorset Council

To find out more about Shared Lives Week - Shared Lives Week 2024 - Shared Lives Plus

 

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