Award for opening up their home to help others
30/04/2025
Kym and Roger Garnett have supported adults with additional care needs for 27 years
A Banbury couple have received an award celebrating their long service of opening up their home to adults with additional care needs.
For the last 27 years Kym and Roger Garnett have been part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives programme, offering individuals a place to stay whilst they grow their independence.
And at a ceremony last night (April 29) at Frilford Heath Golf Club near Abingdon, Kym and Roger were given an award celebrating their long service by Oxfordshire County Council Chief Executive, Martin Reeves.
Mr Reeves said: “For almost three decades Kym and Roger have selflessly opened their home to offer adults with additional needs a place to live happily and independently.
“The difference they have made to the people they have shared their lives with should not be underestimated and it is a privilege to be able to celebrate their kindness and dedication with them.”
Roger and Kym became Shared Lives carers in June 1998. Roger had previously been employed as a support worker with the NHS learning disability team and has many years of experience supporting adults with additional needs, with a specialism for people with autism.
They are able to support up to three people at any one time, for long and short-term stays as well as providing accommodation for adults needing immediate support with little notice period.
Mr Reeves added: “Kym and Roger have been able to offer tailored support for people when they have needed it most. Whether that was a fixed place to stay to give someone the continuity they needed or a roof over their head when a person found themselves in immediate need, the Garnetts have opened their door and welcomed them in.”
Kym and Roger are both advanced first aiders and have significant support from the county council’s Shared Lives team, ensuring they have the latest guidance and training.
On receiving the award, Mr Garnett said: “Shared Lives is a very special programme. While there are some challenging times, we get just as much from the scheme as the people living with us.
“We learn from each other and laugh with each other and it is a real joy to see the people staying with us grow their independence.”
The Garnett’s have also been shortlisted for a long-term service award at next month’s Oxfordshire Care Awards.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
