Shared Lives Carers

​The Council is appealing for residents to become Shared Lives Carers. The Shared Lives Service offers adults with social care support needs the chance to receive that care in a family home with a Shared Lives Carer in the local community.

Councillor Wendy Brice-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said:

“The Shared Lives Service means that people live in the homes of carers who have been recruited, trained and approved for this purpose. Arrangements can be short term, lasting anything from one night to several weeks, enabling both the person and their carers to have a break. Or, they can be more long term, providing the opportunity for the person receiving support to live as part of the family.

“It is meant for people over the age of 16 who live in the borough and need some extra support to live independently, for example, adults with physical, sensory and or learning disabilities, mental health support needs or people finding it more difficult to manage as they get older.

“To access this service, residents need to have been assessed and be eligible for social care services.”

A young man who has lived with his Shared Lives Carer for three years says:

“I have not regretted a second. She is the most fantastic, the most extraordinary and most amazing carer I have ever known.”

Residents who are interested in using the Shared Lives Scheme are matched with a carer with similar interests and lifestyle. Those people applying will be able to go and visit the carer several times before deciding if they want to live with them.

Anyone who has a spare room, and wants to share their lives with someone who needs some extra support, can apply to become a Shared Lives Carer. Our team will fully support you through the application process, and offer on-going training and support to make sure the experience is a really positive one. Shared Lives Carers are paid for the support they provide individuals. Shared Lives Carers do not need to have lots of experience or qualifications, it is more important that they respect and value people as individuals and are willing to learn and attend training as necessary.

Residents who would like to know more about becoming a shared lives carer or want to find out how the scheme could support them are invited to a coffee morning and chat on Tuesday 27 September 10.00-12.00pm at Havering Volunteer Centre.