Become a shared lives carer

About the role

Shared Lives carers are self‑employed. They offer a safe, supportive home to adults who need care. You do not need qualifications or previous experience. What matters most is being kind, caring and willing to help others.

Carers can offer full‑time placements, short breaks or daytime support, depending on what works for you and your household.

What you’ll do as a Shared Lives carer

As a Shared Lives carer, you support someone by sharing your home, community and everyday life. Your role includes:

Providing a safe, supportive and healthy home environment
Sharing your home and daily routines to help someone enjoy ordinary family life
Promoting independence and wellbeing, encouraging people to do as much as they can for themselves
Treating people with dignity and respect, and helping them make their own choices about things that matter to them
Supporting friendships and relationships, both within your household and in the local community
Helping people take part in activities, try new things and learn new skills
Working positively with families, representatives, the Shared Lives team and social care workers
Keeping up to date with required training and ongoing development
Protecting people’s privacy and personal information, following GDPR requirements

Every Shared Lives arrangement is different. You may offer support for a few hours a week or welcome someone to live with you long term.

In all situations, you play an important part in helping someone live independently and feel part of a community.

Who can apply

You do not need any formal qualifications. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and from every background, as long as you have the right values and a willingness to support others.

To apply, you must: