A photograph of Cllr Barry Answer. He is wearing glasses and a navy blue suit and tie.

Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City councils are launching a campaign to recruit more Shared Lives carers so that more people with additional needs who find it harder to live on their own, can live as safely and independently as possible in their community 

Shared Lives is a scheme in which carers share their homes with adults who have support and care needs and provides an alternative to residential care or supported living. 
Unlike traditional care settings, Shared Lives carers open their own homes to the people they support. Individuals become part of a family, enjoying everyday life, building relationships, and doing what matters most to them.

Shared Lives is a unique approach to adult social care which is delivered by trained and approved carers through the Councils’ Shared Lives Schemes. It is similar to fostering, but for adults who need support to live independently. This could be for a few hours a week, short-term stays, or full-time live-in support, offering flexible, bespoke, personal support to those that need it. 

  • Adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health needs
  • Older people who need extra support to live independently
  • Young people leaving care who need a stable home environment
  • Anyone who is socially isolated and would benefit from living with a supportive family or community.

People sometimes use Shared Lives as a way of learning skills they need to live independently and to help them put down roots in the area before moving into a place of their own.

Cllr Barry Answer, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We’re looking for ordinary people who can make an extraordinary difference. Being a Shared Lives carer is a chance to give something back and make an amazing difference to someone’s life, building relationships between the carer and the person they are caring for. It is flexible, so it can fit around your other commitments. We’re looking for those with a room to spare and a heart to care.

“Our Shared Lives teams provide all the support you need and can answer any questions you may have. If you’re interested in opening your home and caring for someone, I’d encourage you to get in touch to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer. We look forward to welcoming you to the scheme!”

Cllr Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to have a real positive impact on the lives of local people with disabilities and additional health needs. Shared Lives carers open up their own homes to support people with these needs to help them maintain independence and enrich the quality of their lives. 

“We’re calling for people who have a spare bedroom and a big heart to come forward and apply to become a Shared Lives carer with us, whether it’s to care for someone full-time, or to provide temporary respite care to give other carers a break. Roles within the scheme are flexible and can suit whatever your circumstances may be – so please get in touch to find out more and start your journey!”

Our carers come from all walks of life and support adults of all ages and backgrounds. Care is taken to match each person with the right carer, ensuring a supportive and meaningful connection. No special experience is needed to be a Shared Lives carer as regular training is provided. Breaks are available and carers become part of an active support network. Shared Lives carers work on a self-employed basis, and a fee is paid based on a structure that reflects the value and quality of the service. Caring can be flexible and fit around work and family commitments, as there are different caring arrangements to suit. 

Ross, one of our current Shared Lives carers said: “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.”

Tony, another Shared Lives carer added: “The team at Shared Lives are always on hand to offer advice, support and training needed to offer such a unique and rewarding service. If you have the time and space to offer, I would totally recommend contacting the Shared Lives team to start the journey, as I did with two of my friends on the refer a friend scheme and they too are now fully trained Shared Lives carers and looking forward to Sharing their lives”

Another Shared Lives carer said: “Our Shared Lives teams provide all the support you need and can answer any questions you may have. If you’re interested in opening your home and caring for someone, I’d encourage you to get in touch to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!”

Between November and January, selected buses across the city and county network will carry adverts encouraging people to open their hearts and their homes to someone who needs support and consider becoming a Shared Lives carer. 

 Find out more about Shared Lives and what specific arrangements are available at Shared Lives | Nottinghamshire County Council or Shared Lives - Nottingham City Council