Havering Council is looking for some very special people just like Shehnaz.
Shehnaz is a Shared Lives Carer who has opened up her home to care for not one, not two, but three adults with learning difficulties and says she just loves what she does.
Shared Lives is a scheme which allows adults with learning difficulties to live with other adults and their families.
It gives them a chance to be supported while maintaining a degree of independence.
They do everyday life together, like cooking and eating and going shopping.
While Shehnaz, with the support of her husband Gool, will take the adults to their day centre, help with showering and other day-to-day activities.
Janice (62) and Paul (64), who were already friends, first came to stay with Shehnaz and Gool last summer and loved it so much, they asked if they could stay.
Then Michelle (46), who was friends with Paul, came for some respite care for two weeks earlier in 2025, and ended up moving in too.
Between them, the trio have suffered the loss of their parents or their parents are no longer able to look after them due to their ages and health.
Shehnaz, who lives in Rainham, has been recruiting family members and friends along the way.
First, her son Arshad (25), is her respite carer, so is his friend, also 25, and her nephew is planning to come on board soon too.
Shehnaz, a former foster carer and babysitter, said: “It is natural to share my home. They get along very well. When I see them happy, it makes me happy.
“I have seen them grow and become more settled.
They have opened up and talked about things which they wouldn’t have done when they first came to stay.”
Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Adults, said:
“Shared Lives is often under the radar, yet is one of the most rewarding things that people can do.
"By opening up your homes to support a person with a special need, you are giving them a chance to be part of a loving family.
"While at the same time, allowing them to maintain their independence and enriching their own lives.
“Anyone with that love for others can become a carer.
"We’re looking for people from all walks of life and the most important thing is to get in touch so we can start a discussion.”