Shared Lives scheme
"We have a good laugh, I like going out to restaurants and takeaways. My bedroom is being decorated and it looks really nice."
Shared Lives is a unique form of adult social care that gives people the opportunity to become self employed Shared Lives carers.
As a Shared Lives carer you’ll make a difference by welcoming adults with assessed care and support needs into your home, offering a supportive, family based environment.
The support provided can range from a few hours during the day, to short breaks, or offering someone a place to call home on a long-term basis.
An introduction to Shared Lives
Jo Braine, Head of service, tells us about the Shared Lives scheme.
3 mins
Shared Lives scheme in West Sussex County Council
Make an enquiry
Chat to one of our team about starting your journey as a Shared Lives carer.
About the scheme
Learn more about how the Shared Lives scheme works.
Role and responsibilities
What to expect as a Shared Lives carer.
Pay and benefits
Information on pay banding and benefits of the Shared Lives scheme.
Shared Lives stories
Hear from our Shared Lives carers and adults’ they support.
"I am now in my first 6 months of this role and must say that it is the most rewarding and personally fulfilling role I have held within the care sector."
Our Shared Lives team
West Sussex County Council has a dedicated Shared Lives team. The team includes a head of service, area service manager, registered manager, Shared Lives manager, senior Shared Lives worker and 8 Shared Lives workers.
Our team supports Shared Lives carers from their first enquiry through to approval. Once a Shared Lives carer is approved, their Shared Lives worker keeps in touch through regular support and monitoring visits. The worker also carries out regular reviews.
The Shared Lives team is always available to help. Shared Lives carers can contact us by phone or through our duty inbox whenever they need support.
Contact us
If you'd like to find out more about the Shared Lives scheme, have a chat to one of the team by calling 033 022 25700 Monday to Thursday between 9am to 5pm and Friday between 9am to 4.30pm.
Email the team at sharedlives.dutyworker@westsussex.gov.uk.
Call using Relay UK: 18001 0330 22 25700 (from a textphone or the NGT Lite app downloaded onto a computer, tablet or smartphone).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The panel is the final step of the assessment process. It is made up of experienced professionals from inside and outside the Shared Lives scheme.
The panel checks that the assessment has been completed properly. It offers advice and guidance, makes recommendations to the registered manager and supports the final decision.
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The assessment process usually takes about 4 to 6 months from your first enquiry to panel approval.
We carry out a thorough assessment, which includes:
- a DBS check
- mortgage lender or landlord permission
- a health declaration
- building insurance confirmation
- health and safety checks in your home
- a Safe and Well visit from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
- completing the Shared Lives carer training programme
- creating a brochure about yourself and your household
- personal and professional references
- a presentation to the panel
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West Sussex Shared Lives supports people across the whole county.
When we look for a match, we consider the person's preferences, where they live, what they want from Shared Lives, their support network and any safeguarding information. This helps us find the right match for everyone involved.
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The person you support must have their own private bedroom.
The room must be large enough for a bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers. It must also have enough clear floor space for mobility aids or specialist equipment if needed.
The bedroom must have:
- heating
- fresh air through good ventilation
- natural light
The room must be in good condition, which will be checked during the assessment process with your Shared Lives worker.
You should encourage and support the person to decorate and personalise their room to reflect their own tastes and identity.
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Yes. Shared Lives is about welcoming someone into your home, family life and wider community while supporting them to enjoy new opportunities, build relationships and live a fulfilling life.
We understand that it can be challenging to balance the needs of everyone in your household. During the assessment process, we’ll talk you through how family life and your lifestyle can balance alongside the role of a Shared Lives carer. See our Shared Lives stories page.
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Yes. Many Shared Lives carers also have paid jobs, volunteer roles or other caring responsibilities.
The suitability of having another role depends on the needs of the person(s) you support and how those needs fit with your existing commitments. We can discuss this on an individual basis during the assessment process.
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During your assessment, we learn more about you, your household and the type of person who would be the best match.
We look at things such as:
- hobbies and interests
- likes and dislikes
- personalities
- weekly routines
- mobility needs
- the suitability of your home
- pets
- fears or phobias
- future goals
You will create a brochure that shows what you can offer as a Shared Lives carer.
We explore possible matches together. Everyone involved has the chance to decide whether the match feels right. The Shared Lives scheme supports all introduction visits.
We also offer trial visits and overnight stays so everyone can get to know each other before making a final decision.
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No. As part of our standard process, the Shared Lives scheme carries out a new DBS check for all prospective Shared Lives carers.