Our new animation brings Shared Lives to life for young people leaving foster care

Ategi is excited to share a new animation shaped by the real experiences of people we support: Juliet, Michelle, Kelly, Chloe and Emma, whose insights helped shape the story of the animation. It shows how someone can either begin a new Shared Lives arrangement or continue living with the family they already know and trust. 

The animation is designed to offer a clear, reassuring picture of what Shared Lives can look and feel like for someone stepping into adulthood with additional needs. 

Grounding the story in real experience 

To make sure the animation drew on true lived experience, our Communications and Engagement team spent time speaking with people supported by Shared Lives who had experienced that move from foster care to adult services. 

When our team spoke with Shared Lives carer, Juliet and the ladies she supports, Juliet, Michelle, Kelly, Chloe and Emma, they spoke openly about what it has meant for their foster carer to become their Shared Lives carer. For the women, continuing to live with someone who knows them well brought a sense of stability, belonging and confidence. They talked about everyday things that once felt daunting, from navigating new places to making decisions independently, and how being part of Juliet’s home, with the support Shared Lives provides, helped those moments feel more manageable. For Juliet, having a structure around her caring role, ongoing training, and regular contact with coordinators has meant she can continue offering the care she loves while feeling supported herself. 

Building an animation that reflects their voices 

Speaking with the family shaped the animation. Their insight helped our Communications & Engagement team to create something that feels true to the experiences of both carers and the people we support, something that shows not just the practical steps, but the emotions involved: the uncertainty, the hope, and the comfort of knowing you’re not facing adulthood alone. 

This approach reflects Ategi’s commitment to being person-centred and co-produced. Before a script was written, the team listened carefully to real stories, so the final piece would speak honestly and respectfully to the people it represents. 

Bringing feelings to the screen 

The script was brought to life by animators Livia Jardim Torres and Verity Broad and was funded by Central Bedfordshire Council to help explain how young people aged 18 and over can move from foster care into Shared Lives. 

The character, Ellie, is voiced beautifully by Clare, someone we support in Central Bedfordshire, who brought so much heart to the role. The narration is delivered by our Head of Services, Richard Cox.  

Looking ahead 

We’re really proud of this animation and can’t wait to share it widely across the regions where we deliver Shared Lives. It shows how supportive, welcoming and life-enhancing Shared Lives can be for young adults leaving foster care, offering not just a place to live, but a home where they feel valued, understood and part of something. 

A huge thank-you to Central Bedfordshire Council for funding this work, to Clare and Richard for lending their voices, to Livia and Verity for their creativity, and to Juliet, Michelle, Chloe, Kelly and Emma for sharing their experiences so openly. Their story shaped this project, and we are honoured to highlight the difference Shared Lives can make. 

Links

Central Bedfordshire Council: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/

Livia Jardim Torres: https://www.liviatorres.co.uk/

Verity Broad: https://www.veritybroad.co.uk/