What is Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is a UK-wide care service where adults or young people who need support live with, or regularly visit, an approved carer in the carer’s home. It’s often described as ‘fostering for adults,’ but with a focus on independence and inclusion. Shared Lives offers:

• Day support (visits during the day)
• Short breaks (overnight stays or respite care)
• Long-term placements (living as part of the carer’s household)

Who it helps: People with learning disabilities, mental health needs, physical disabilities, dementia, or young people leaving care who want a family-style environment instead of traditional care homes.

Benefits: Improved social life, community involvement, and independence.

How to Apply to Be a Shared Lives Carer

1. Initial Contact: Reach out to St Anne’s Shared Lives scheme or visit sharedlivesplus.org.uk.
2. Application Form: Provide details about your experience, home, and motivation.
3. Home Visit & Assessment: Your home will be checked for safety and suitability.
4. Background Checks: Enhanced DBS check and references.
5. Training: Mandatory training on safeguarding, personal care, medication, and record-keeping.
6. Approval Panel: Interview with professionals, carers, and people who use Shared Lives.

The full process usually takes 4-12 weeks. Carers are self-employed and supported by the St Anne’s Community Services Shared Lives team.

Being a Shared Lives carer includes tax free income – what you get paid depends on what you can offer.

All support, training, DBS checks, and referencing is free of charge and undertaken by St Anne’s Community Services.

Qualities Needed for Shared Lives Carers

• Empathy, patience, and a caring nature
• Non-judgmental attitude and respect for individuality
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills

You don’t need formal qualifications, personal qualities matter most. A safe, clean home with a spare room is essential. You need a spare room for live-in support & short breaks, but you can still offer day support if you don’t have one.

What Shared Lives Means for the person benefiting

• A family-style environment
• Opportunities for independence, learning life skills like cooking, budgeting, and socialising
• Community inclusion: joining family activities, holidays, and local events
• Emotional well-being; reducing isolation and building friendships
• Flexibility: support can be tailored for day visits, short breaks, or long-term living arrangements

How to Apply for a Shared Lives Experience

• Eligibility: You must be over 18 and assessed as needing support under the Care Act (2014).
• Referral: Contact your DBC adult social care team or St Anne’s Shared Lives scheme.
• Matching Process: You’ll meet potential carers to ensure compatibility before starting.
• Types of arrangements: Short-term (respite care, overnight stays) or Long-term (living as part of the carer’s household).

Contact Details

If you would like to talk to somebody about this scheme, or if you want to proceed with your application, please contact:

Shared Lives Team

Tel: 0300 102 5151

Email: [email protected] – please add DARLINGTON into your subject line

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Shared Lives as a model for housing with care and support - SCIE[external link]