Shared Lives
one size never fits all
A bit like fostering,
but for grown ups.
Values That Actually Mean Something
What is Shared Lives?
Support that feels more like family.
Shared Lives is a simple idea that changes lives. Adults and young people who need a bit of extra support are matched with trained, approved carers who welcome them into everyday life, for a few hours, regular short breaks, or a longer stay.
It’s not about services or systems; it’s about real relationships. Support feels natural, flexible, and built around the person.
For some, it’s a homely place to stay. For others, it’s time each week with someone they trust; going for walks, cooking together, or getting to appointments.
Every match offers space to grow confidence, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Values That Actually Mean Something
Why Shared Lives Works
Shared Lives works because it’s based on something wonderfully simple: real homes, real people, and real lives changed.
It isn’t just support. It’s connection. People are welcomed into everyday family life where they’re seen, listened to, and genuinely valued. The small moments matter most. Cooking tea together. A quick trip to the shops. Chatting about whatever’s on the telly. These ordinary, easy moments help people grow confidence, build independence, and feel like they truly matter.
Shared Lives is powerful because it’s personal. Every arrangement is shaped around the individual, their personality, their interests, and what feels right for them and their carer. No two matches are the same, because people aren’t the same. It’s person centred in the truest way.
And when someone is welcomed into a home where they’re treated like family, everything changes. Trust builds. Laughter becomes part of the day. There’s warmth, safety, and a deep sense of belonging that helps people live fuller, happier lives.
Could You Be A Shared Lives Carer?
Whether you’ve got a few hours a week or want to welcome someone into your home long-term, there’s a way to get involved that works for you and the person you’re supporting.
Who is Shared Lives an option for?
Shared Lives is an option for anyone 18 years and over who has an assessed Social Care need and is looking for a forever home, a little respite or even daytime support. This may be a care leaver, a person with dementia, a person with a learning Disability, a person living with mental ill health.
Values That Actually Mean Something
Here’s what you get
In return for providing a safe home and support, Shared Lives carers receive several key benefits:
- A weekly fee for the support you provide: Flexible income, from the comfort of your own home.
- Full training: To make sure you feel fully prepared plus lots of ongoing support from our team.
- Access to carer meet-ups: Wellbeing check-ins, and a community that’s here to support.
- Generous Tax Relief: Carers operate as self-employed individuals and benefit from Qualifying Care Relief. Under HMRC rules, carers can earn a significant amount tax-free before they are required to pay Income Tax or National Insurance.
- Paid Time Off: Long-term carers are typically entitled to up to 4 weeks of paid respite (holiday) per year, allowing time off while the person they support stays with another carer.
- Ongoing Support and Training: Carers do not go it alone; they are assigned an allocated Shared Lives worker and receive thorough training, ongoing professional development, and 24/7 support from their local scheme.
- Work-Life Balance: It offers the unique opportunity to work from home, enabling carers to balance their caring responsibilities with their own family commitments.
- Rewarding Relationships: Beyond financial remuneration, carers gain the immense personal fulfilment of watching vulnerable adults build independent living skills, confidence, and social integration.
“I find it very rewarding supporting a variety of different people with different needs”
– Shared Lives carer
For Professionals & Local Authorities
Creative placements with real outcomes
Shared Lives isn’t your usual support model, and that’s exactly the point. As a trusted model of family-based support services in Rochdale and Trafford, Shared Lives creates sustainable, person-led outcomes for those who need support.
Not only is it more personal, flexible, and cost-effective over time than facilities, we’ve seen it reduce repeat admissions, ease the strain on stretched services, and offer a gentler way back into independent living from hospital stays or those in crisis.
We don’t just pair people up and hope for the best. We take our time, we listen, and track outcomes that matter, like confidence, connection, and quality of life.
And the results? They speak for themselves.
