Become a Shared Lives carer

Hear from people who are already Shared Lives carers and find out what the role is like for them and their families.

Each story includes a short video and a quote from the carer.

Gemma – Shared Lives carer

Watch Gemma talk about becoming a Shared Lives carer.

This video includes British Sign Language (BSL). We welcome applications from Deaf people.

We take Shared Lives as a whole family commitment. We all see Sophie as part of the family. I was a little apprehensive about becoming a Shared Lives carer because I hadn’t worked with vulnerable adults before, but the support and guidance I had step by step throughout was brilliant. I feel really valued as a Shared Lives carer. 

The pay is really rewarding. The matching process is really careful and my opinion matters. I feel that my coordinator really cares about me and the family. I’m so passionate about Shared Lives and passionate about making a difference.

It’s so rewarding to see Sophie enjoy her life and be given all the opportunities we give her. To see her smile and achieve is priceless.”

Kelly and Ross – Shared Lives carers

Watch Kelly and Ross talk about providing a long‑term home and balancing Shared Lives with work and family life.

Sarah’s been with us for nearly two years. Sarah needed somewhere to stay as a forever home.

We’ve built such a great bond in such a short space of time. Sarah had been brought up in a family environment in a loving home and that’s what we wanted to continue to give her.”
- Kelly

You’ve got a good support network around you and you’ve got the ability to commit to certain hours that work.

You can balance life and work in equal measure. You can work a full-time job and still be a shared lives carer.”
- Ross

Hayley – Shared Lives carer

Watch Hayley talk about everyday relationships in Shared Lives.

I think it works because we’re a similar age. It doesn’t feel like I’m her carer. She feels comfortable going out with me and being seen with me because she could just be out with a friend. It enriches your life as well as somebody else’s. 

You’ve got this other person who will bring so much to your life as well as you giving your skills to them and helping them grow as a person.”

Helen – Shared Lives carer

Watch Helen talk about family involvement in Shared Lives.

It’s one of the best jobs in the world. I wouldn’t do anything else. I feel very emotional when I think of Dan’s progress. Shared lives is such a rewarding thing. We have so many laughs. We have so many experiences.

When we decided to do this, we talked to our entire family about this. It’s a big family. That’s the way it has to work. Everyone has to be on board because everyone has a part to play.”