Patch
Shared Lives, Cardiff
Pip is supported through a Shared Lives arrangement that brings together consistency, choice, and strong relationships. Alongside her main Shared Lives carer, Paula, Pip also spends regular time with Patch, her Shared Days Shared Lives carer in Cardiff. Together, Paula and Patch support Pip to live a full, active life, with familiar routines alongside new experiences.
Patch plays an important role in Pip’s week. Through Shared Days and short breaks, she offers Pip time away from her usual routine, opportunities to get out and about, and the chance to build confidence through shared everyday experiences.
“You want to take someone out, and I think it’s good for somebody who could be a bit lonely at home. You have a day to look forward to.” - Patch
Short Breaks with Patch
Alongside her life with Paula, Pip spends time with Patch on Thursdays and during holidays as part of her Short Breaks support. This time gives Pip variety, independence and something different to look forward to each week.
Patch focuses on everyday activities that help Pip feel confident being out in the community. Shopping together is one example.
“We have our trolleys in Aldi, and we’re always within view of each other. It’s a shared experience, and it’s wonderful to see her confidence and independence grow” - Patch
Through Short Breaks, Patch also supports Pip to travel and enjoy new experiences. They’ve been to London to see Elvis, to Downton Abbey and on trips to Bath. They also go to Zumba charity shows and always have a great time.
For Patch, Short Breaks Shared Lives is about spending quality time together, noticing progress, and supporting Pip to feel comfortable trying new things, always at her own pace.
Working together
Short Breaks with Patch also brings Pip into contact with other people in Patch’s life, helping to widen her social world naturally.
“My granddaughter loves coming out with me and Pip. They chat away about anything, and it’s nice to see how they connect.” - Patch
These shared moments, days out, conversations, and simple routines are a key part of what makes Short Breaks work for Pip.
Paula and Patch work closely as a team, staying in regular contact to make sure Pip’s support feels joined-up and consistent. The combination of long-term Shared Lives support and Short Breaks gives Pip both stability and independence.
What is Shared Lives Short Breaks?
Short Breaks Shared Lives support gives people the chance to spend time with an approved Shared Lives carer away from their main home, for a few hours, a day, or overnight. These breaks are shaped around the person, their interests and what they enjoy doing.
Short Breaks Shared Lives is flexible and relationship-based. It’s about spending time together, sharing everyday life and building connections, whether that’s going out into the community, trying something new, or simply enjoying time in a different environment.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a Shared Lives carer?
Do you want to find out more about our services?
Could you become a support worker for Ategi?
Speak with one of the team today!
