Cat’s Story: Finding Independence, Belonging and Confidence Through Shared Lives
When Cat turned 18, she faced an uncertain future. After entering foster care at 15, she was told that adulthood could mean leaving the home where she felt safe and moving into a hostel.
Instead, thanks to Shared Lives, Cat was able to stay with the carers who had supported her for years — Rachael and Owain — and continue building a life filled with stability, independence and opportunity.
Today, Cat is thriving.
Supported through Ategi Shared Lives, she is studying childcare full time, working freelance as both an Interview Assistant and Photographer for Ategi, and pursuing her passion for photography and creativity and though she was unsure about taking on the roles she says, “It’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
“Shared Lives means a lot to me. It’s given me the support and independence I need to be a normal adult with my disability.”
Cat describes her carers as her “bonus mum and dad,” crediting them with helping her build confidence, trust and self-worth after a difficult start in life.
“They encouraged me and pushed me to do the best I can and get what I want,” she says. “They’ve made me stronger and more confident with who I am.”
Their home is full of warmth, family life — and animals too. Alongside cats, chickens and a boxer dog called Ted, Cat also has access to horses, which provide comfort, enjoyment and another important connection to wellbeing and independence.
Photography became one of Cat’s biggest passions after one of her carers encouraged her to try using a camera. What started as a hobby quickly became something much more meaningful.
“I went out and I fell in love with taking photos,” she says.
Now working freelance for Ategi, Cat uses her lived experience to help support others. As an Interview Assistant, she believes her own journey, as someone with a disability who receives support herself, gives her valuable insight into what makes a good support worker.
Working with Ategi in this way makes her feel “special and included,” while allowing her to use her voice and experiences to help shape support for others.
Cat’s story highlights the life-changing impact Shared Lives can have — not only providing practical support, but creating a sense of belonging, confidence and family that helps people live fulfilling and independent lives.
“Shared Lives is more like a family...I’m not just an adult with a disability — I’m a sister, I’m a daughter and an auntie.”
Would you like to find out more about Shared Lives?
Ategi provides Shared Lives support in; Central Bedfordshire, Cardiff, South Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, Slough and Southwark.
Would you like to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer?
Or would you like to see if you could be supported by Shared Lives?
Cat out and about taking photos.
Shared Lives means a lot to me. It’s given me the support and independence I need to be a normal adult with my disability
Cat and James, Ategi's freelance photographers, at our St Davids Day event.
Could you be a Shared Lives carer?
If you have a spare room, a caring heart, and the ability to offer someone a place to belong, you could become a Shared Lives carer.
Whether you live in Central Bedfordshire, Slough, South Gloucestershire, Cardiff, Slough, Southwark or Buckinghamshire, Your home could be the place where someone finds the stability, companionship, and encouragement they need to build a brighter future.
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