How to become a Shared Lives Carer

Contact the Shared Lives Scheme

The Shared Lives Scheme recruits carers and families who can offer care and support to individuals from the age of 16, by including them in their family and community life. This gives people in need of support a chance to gain skills that will help them to live a more independent life, with the help of a carer.

Shared Lives care is based on shared interests, experiences and lifestyles. It is very similar to fostering, but for adults.

We are always looking to recruit new carers into the West Berkshire Shared Lives Scheme. Working from home as a self-employed Shared Lives carer, you can earn between £390 to £650 a week, with tax relief.

Where can I find further information

You can find information about what it is like to become a Shared Lives carer on the Shared Lives Plus website, here.

You can also find out more about the West Berkshire Shared Lives Scheme on the Shared Lives Plus website, here.

If you would like to discuss your interest, please email the Shared Lives Team at sharedlives@westberks.gov.uk or phone 01635 520173.

Our Shared Lives Carers

These are some of our Shared Lives Carers in West Berkshire:

Steven Joplin, Shared Lives Carer

How did you get to become a Shared Lives Carer?

I have been a short-breaks Shared Lives Carer for 14 years. I worked for the Supported Employment Team at The Phoenix Centre for a couple of years before applying to be a Shared Lives carer and I also did out-of-hours shifts with what was then called the Phoenix Out-of-Hours Group. Working at the Phoenix Centre and doing out-of-hours work made me realise that care work was something I enjoyed, and I felt that I had built up confidence to then apply to become a Shared Lives Carer. 

Can you tell me something you really enjoy as a SL carer?

I really enjoy having that shared interest with the people I support, its so easy to chat through that shared connection. I like the flexibility that comes with Shared Lives. I also enjoy the social aspect of Shared Lives and building social groups with the people we support; building good relations with people we support and their families.  

Can you tell me what you would say to others who are not SL carers, about your overall experience of being a SL carer?

The Shared Lives Scheme is overall really positive, it doesn't even feel like work and we get to experience different activities together. The role is really rewarding when you start to see improvements and developments in the people we support. The financial benefits are good and the work is so flexible it can be fitted around your life and can be seen as a form of companionship. There is also training given which is specific to the Shared Lives Role. As Shared Lives Carers, we are well supported by the team of Shared Lives Officers.

Mel Dorward, Shared Lives Carer

Watch Mel on You Tube.

Mel talks about the Shared Lives scheme where carers share their family lives with people they care for, providing either long term or respite care. She says that being a shared lives carer is about embracing supporting others and tells us that it's important have compassion and be flexible. She feels that everyone brings something different to the table and that's why it's so exciting to work in Shared Lives. Thank You Mel for sharing your experience!

You can also see Mel at home on YouTube on this Sky News clip.

Elaine, Shared Lives Carer

How long have you been a Shared Lives Carer?

I've been a Shared Lives carer for over 20 years now! I was also a carer before then, really, I have been working in care since my son was 4 and he's in his 40's now! I have worked in various settings, including residential and at a special needs school too, so I've gained lots of experience. Working in care came about for me due to life experiences in my past that made me want to give back and support those who need it most. It was the best decision I ever made and I haven't looked back since. Being a carer is one of my proudest accomplishments. Around 5 years ago I won the Sue Ryder Carer of the Year award (I couldn't believe it as I didn't think it would be me!) and this felt like a real milestone in my life.
 

Can you tell me something you really enjoy as a SL carer?

Everything! Being a carer is everything to me. It is not a job, it is my life. Supporting my service users is so rewarding. I currently support two full timers and I do respite as well. They are family members to me and I include them in everything I do.
 

Can you tell me what you would say to others who are not SL carers, about your overall experience of being a SL carer?

If you can become a Shared Lives carer then just go for it as it is the best thing in the world and is so rewarding and the good times far outweigh the bad times!