Shared Homes, Shared Lives

Shared Homes, Shared Lives

Every week, residents, volunteers and employees come together for a house meeting to talk about the week ahead. Through those conversations, menus are planned, shopping trips arranged, activities discussed and celebrations organised. More importantly, it is a chance for people to share ideas, make choices and have a voice in the life of their home.

A recent house meeting offered a wonderful snapshot of community life.

The conversation moved naturally between daily routines, activities, holidays and future plans. Residents spoke about the workshops and activities they enjoy during the week, from creative projects and practical skills to community-based activities and opportunities to learn something new. Alongside these shared experiences, people discussed appointments, family visits, days out and the things they were most looking forward to.

Food featured heavily, as it often does. Residents planned menus together and discussed shopping arrangements for the week ahead. When one resident could not attend the meeting, her key worker shared her ideas on her behalf, including a request for vegetable lentil pie because it involved lots of chopping and would allow her to take an active part in preparing lunch. Even when someone is unable to be there in person, their voice remains part of the conversation.

As shopping arrangements were reviewed to better fit residents' involvement and daily routines, one resident proudly announced:

"I did the shopping on Wednesday and I've still got my snacks left."

The discussion then turned to holidays, swimming, cinema trips and weekends away. One resident was preparing for a trip to Edinburgh, another for a holiday in Scarborough, while others were already thinking about what they might do during an upcoming activity break.

As Halloween approached, excitement began to build. Residents discussed local events, pumpkin carving and costume ideas. Suggestions ranged from a unicorn and Spider-Man to a Gryffindor wizard from Harry Potter, bringing plenty of laughter to the conversation.

There was also time to celebrate achievements and share learning. Residents suggested making a congratulations card for a support worker who had recently passed a driving test. When the conversation turned to Makaton signs learned during a recent lunchtime session, one resident proudly explained:

"I showed the volunteers." before demonstrating signs for sausages and fish and chips.

What emerged from the meeting was not simply a list of plans for the week ahead, but a picture of community life in action. Through shared decision-making, everyday responsibilities, friendships, activities, celebrations and future plans, residents help shape the place they call home.