Wimborne | Posted on July 31st, 2026 | return to news

Wimborne family share their lives

People are encouraged to come forward to join the Shared Lives scheme which matches people in need of support with families.

Dorset Council is hoping more people will come forward to become Shared Lives carers following a success story in Wimborne.

Marc has been part of a Shared Lives household with Andy and Lin for around two and a half years. Since moving in, he says his anxiety has reduced significantly and he has enjoyed becoming part of a supportive family environment where he feels valued,  included  and able to pursue his interests.

Marc enjoys music, drama, air shows, animals and running his own social group. Being part of the Shared Lives household gives him the support he needs to plan activities, solve problems and build new skills while continuing to live an ordinary life.

Marc said: “Being part of a family setting helps me. My anxiety came down. Andy is someone I can talk to when I worry and Lin always says ‘come to us if you are worried’.  They are nice to me and help me.

“From the time I moved in, my anxiety dropped. I have happy times. If I did not have Shared Lives, it would give me high anxiety.”

Marc says some of his happiest memories include celebrating birthdays, enjoying holidays and taking part in family occasions with Andy, Lin and the wider household. Looking ahead, he is planning another holiday and hopes to work with the Shared Lives team to help organise more social events and encourage others to learn about the scheme.

For Andy and Lin, becoming Shared Lives carers has also been a life-changing experience. The couple have supported people through Dorset Shared Lives for six years and currently provide full-time support for three people.

Before joining Shared Lives, Andy enjoyed a successful career in banking before retraining as a nurse and working in healthcare for more than a decade. Together, he and Lin have raised five children and have long experience of welcoming and supporting others within their home.

Andy describes Shared Lives as ‘a rewarding, relaxed and fun way of life, providing a safe, stable environment for those less able’. He says seeing people settle into family life, gain  confidence and enjoy every day experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.

Andy said: “All three chaps were very anxious when moving in and seeing them all relax, look healthy and smiling and enjoying their lives is extremely rewarding. I have learnt so much about myself from the people we have met and cared for. It challenges my thought processes every day and I am undoubtedly a better person for this experience.”

The couple initially worried that providing care from home might limit their freedom. However, with support from Dorset Shared Lives, including paid carer breaks and additional support arrangements, they continue to enjoy holidays, work and personal interests alongside their caring responsibilities.

Andy said: “I wouldn’t change this life. I am my own boss, enjoying my own home and feeling blessed and rewarded on an almost daily basis.”

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council portfolio lead for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Marc’s story wonderfully demonstrates the positive impact Shared Lives can have for people who need a little extra support to live independently and thrive within their community.

“The commitment and kindness shown by carers such as Andy and Lin helps people build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the everyday experiences many of us take for granted.”

The scheme matches adults who need support with approved carers who can offer accommodation, companionship and practical help within a family home.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Shared Lives support or becoming a Shared Lives carer can visit https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/shared-lives.