Shared Lives ambassador from Northampton wins national Learning Disabilities & Autism Award
A Shared Lives Plus ambassador from Northampton has won a national award recognising people who are helping create more inclusive communities and improving lives through their work and advocacy.
Vicky, who is supported by Jane, a Shared Lives carer with Shared Lives West Northamptonshire, was named winner of the Making a Difference Award at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026, held at the ICC in Birmingham on 19 June.
The award recognises people who work creatively and passionately to promote inclusion, belonging and equal access within their local area, helping make positive change happen in people’s lives.
As an ambassador for the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme, Vicky helps raise awareness of Shared Lives and speaks up about the importance of relationships, inclusion and belonging for young people moving into adulthood.
The programme supports care-experienced young people with a learning disability, autism or mental health challenges by matching them with approved Shared Lives carers who offer stable, supportive homes and long-term relationships.
Vicky represents Shared Lives nationally and has contributed to recruitment panels and interviews, helping social workers and carers improve support for young people. She also co-delivers Oliver McGowan training for two local organisations and supports Shared Lives West Northamptonshire by sitting on approval panels for new Shared Lives carers and helping run awareness events to promote the scheme.
Vicky also featured in a short film released by Shared Lives Plus alongside other ambassadors, sharing how Shared Lives has supported her to build independence, confidence and identity.
Outside her ambassador role, Vicky is a stage technician at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton and a Rainbows Leader with Girlguiding.
The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards celebrate excellence across the care and support sector and recognise individuals and organisations making a real difference for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Caroline Ritchie, Scheme Manager at Shared Lives West Northamptonshire said:
“We recognise Vicky’s amazing achievements and are very proud of her. We are also proud of the support from her Shared Lives carer, Jane, who has been there every step of the way for Vicky. Well done, Vicky, on your nomination and keep being a credit to the Shared Lives West Northamptonshire scheme.”
Supporting young people to move into adulthood with confidence
Shared Lives matches young people with trained Shared Lives carers who share their home, family and community life. This helps young people build relationships, independence and confidence at their own pace.
The model allows young people to stay as long as they need, with no fixed time limit. In some cases, foster carers transition into Shared Lives carers, allowing continuity at a critical point of transition.
Since launching in 2024, the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme has supported more than 125 young people across the UK.
Data from the programme shows:
79% of young people are in education, employment or training
Over 95% are in stable housing
Ewan King, Chief Executive of Shared Lives Plus, said:
“Vicky’s passion for helping other people, speaking up for inclusion and using her voice to create change is what makes her such a deserving winner. She is a brilliant ambassador for Shared Lives and a powerful example of what people can achieve when they have the right relationships and support around them.”
Find out more
Watch the film: https://youtu.be/_RtmrlBIbec
Find out more about the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/our-work/care-leavers-programme/