A family that has come together as part of a Council adult social care scheme are putting the flags out as they gear up for this weekend’s FA Cup outing against Man Utd.
Rob, Bernie, Stephen, and Kerry have been brought together by the Coventry Shared Lives Scheme, which enables adults to live together in a family home where care and support is provided in a loving environment.
Stephen and Kerry live with Bernie and Rob and have developed a caring relationship for several years.
Stephen and Rob are big Coventry City fans and have season tickets - going to every game whenever they can.
All four will be making their way down to Wembley to watch the Sky Blues game against Manchester United along with Bernie and Kerry - who are also looking forward to the semi-final clash.
They have their bucket hats, scarves and flags at the ready, and will travel down on Sunday morning to cheer on the Sky Blues as fans make the exodus down to London.
Stephen, who will also celebrate his 54th birthday on Monday, told us how much he is looking forward to Sunday. He said: “It’ll be 2-1 to Coventry, Simms and Haji Wright will score. Cov are going to win.”
He also expressed excitement about getting to wave at Coventry City manager Mark Robins as the players walk out – something he always does whenever the team run out onto the pitch.
Stephen has only been a regular at Sky Blues games over the past two years and Rob said it has made a massive difference.
Rob added: “I’ve been a massive Sky Blues fan for years and going with Stephen has been great. It is such a perfect way for him to connect with more people. We love it and can’t wait for Sunday.”
Kerry, who is 42 and originally from South Africa, is also getting excited about the match and has ben serenading the family with her rendition of ‘Que Sera Sera …were going to Wemb-er-ley….’
Bernie told us how important the Shared Lives scheme is.
She said: “It’s a good scheme because you can make a difference that can change lives by giving people meaningful opportunities. You can enhance skills and you can live together as a family. Kerry helps in the kitchen, we cook together, and Stephen helps set the table. Kerry calls us a good team - we’re a good team together. It’s especially nice for Stephen to go to Wembley.”
Liane Wood, Shared Live Officer at the Council, said: “It’s wonderful to work on Shared Lives and Stephen, Kerry, Rob and Bernie are such a lovely group to work with. As a Sky Blues fan I’m so excited for them all.”
Stephen also attends Brandon Wood Farm every Friday and goes to a local walking group every Tuesday. Kerry goes to Younity Hub in Allesley, a day opportunity services for adults with learning disabilities, three days a week where she is in a choir and cookery group – which means she can help with cooking at home too. Both venues are run by the Council.
To find out more about Coventry shared lives visit : Coventry.gov.uk/sharedlives or call: 024 7678 5339 or e-mail: sharedlivesscheme@coventry.gov.uk