Become a Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives carers are self‑employed and provide support in their own homes.

You do not need qualifications or previous experience. What matters most is being kind, patient and willing to support others. You’ll be supported by the Shared Lives team throughout the process.

Every Shared Lives arrangement is different. You might support someone to live with you long term, provide short breaks, or offer support during the day, depending on what works for you and your household.

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

What you’ll do as a Shared Lives carer

In this role, you support someone by sharing your home, community and everyday life. This can include:

• providing a safe, supportive and healthy home
• sharing day‑to‑day routines so someone can enjoy ordinary family life
• supporting independence and wellbeing, helping people do as much as they can for themselves
• treating people with dignity and respect and supporting them to make choices about what matters to them
• helping people build and maintain friendships and relationships, at home and in the local community
• supporting people to take part in activities, try new things and learn new skills

As part of the role, you’ll also:

• work positively with families, representatives, the Shared Lives team and social care professionals
• keep up to date with required training and ongoing development
• protect people’s privacy and personal information, in line with GDPR requirements

Who can apply

You do not need any formal qualifications. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our values and want to support others.

To apply, you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have the right to work in the UK
• have a spare room
• have access to a computer, laptop or tablet for online training
• be willing to register as self‑employed with HMRC for tax purposes