About the Shared Lives scheme
"Shared Lives has enriched our lives and also the lives of our families and those around us."
Shared Lives carers are self-employed. West Sussex County Council provides you with training, ongoing support and payment. Before becoming a carer, you must be approved by the Shared Lives scheme. You must also follow the law and meet standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
More than 80 households take part in the Shared Lives scheme across West Sussex. Approved and trained carers welcome people into their homes and provide care and support. This can be for a short time or for many years.
The scheme is for adults in West Sussex who have care and support needs. It can also help young adults moving on from foster care and, in some cases, people aged 18 and over.
Shared Lives supports people with different needs, including:
- learning disabilities
- physical disabilities
- mental health needs
- dementia
- older people who may need extra support
The scheme helps people live as independently as possible and be part of their local community.
What the scheme aims to do
The Shared Lives scheme aims to:
- help people take part in their local community
- support people to live the life they choose
- listen to people and treat them with kindness, dignity and respect
- help people live in a place they can call home
- make sure people are involved in decisions about their care and support
- help people keep friendships and relationships and make new ones
- support people's health and wellbeing
How the scheme works
A team of qualified staff at West Sussex County Council runs the Shared Lives scheme. They recruit, assess, train and support Shared Lives carers. They also check that carers continue to provide high-quality care and support.
Shared Lives carers use their own homes to support people and share everyday life with them.
The scheme focuses on helping people enjoy a normal family and community life. People can stay connected to their local area and take part in activities they enjoy. This may include work, education, volunteering or other meaningful daytime activities.
The scheme also helps people build their confidence, develop new skills and form relationships with others.
The scheme offers a range of services, including:
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As a Shared Lives carer, you will welcome someone to live with you for a long time. The person has their own bedroom and shares daily life with you and your family. They can take part in local activities and be part of the community.
You will support the person to make their own choices and live as independently and safely as possible.
You must own or rent your home. We pay you to provide care, support, accommodation, household bills and food.
Find information about pay and benefits.
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Short-term support and short breaks can help when a Shared Lives carer needs a break. They can also help young people as they become adults or provide support in an emergency.
If someone stays with you for a short time, they will have their own bedroom and privacy.
They will be part of your daily life, spend time with your family and take part in local community activities.
You will support them to make their own choices and live as independently and safely as possible.
As a Shared Lives carer, you must own or rent your home. You will receive payment for the care, support, accommodation, utility bills and food you provide.
Find information about pay and benefits.
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Day support lets people spend time with a Shared Lives carer during the day, usually between 9am and 4pm. They share your home, family and community activities.
You can support up to 3 people at the same time through day support.
People using day support do not need their own bedroom, but they must have access to a comfortable living room with enough seating for everyone.
Find information about pay and benefits.
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We are looking for Shared Lives carers who can offer homes that meet different physical needs.
This could include:
- ground floor access
- a step-free or low-step entrance
- space for mobility aids
- a walk-in shower
Make an enquiry
Email us at: sharedlives.dutyworker@westsussex.gov.uk.