What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a form of accommodation-based support where you live in a family environment in a carer’s home.
Shared Lives provides a safe, secure home and the love and stability that family life can offer to adults and young people who are not able to live on their own. It means people who need support can choose to become part of a family and a community while getting the support they need.
In Cornwall Shared Lives is run by an organisation called Shared Lives South West, a social care charity. More than 100 people across Cornwall are currently successfully supported in this way.
The service can provide long-term support, a short break service or an alternative to traditional day services. It also encourages people to maintain or learn skills to become as independent as they can.
Shared Lives enables you to maintain existing relationships and friendships, as well as develop new ones to help you gain confidence and skills to become as independent as possible. Anyone living in Shared Lives can continue to see their own family and friends as much as they want.
Living with a Shared Lives Carer as part of a local community can give you a sense of wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment. It can also have a positive impact on anyone taking part in it.
Who can be supported by Shared Lives?
The scheme is open to any adult who has a social care assessment that indicates they are eligible for social care support from Cornwall Council and would benefit from the Shared Lives service.
To get Shared Lives support you will be 16 or over and probably have:
- A learning disability
- Autism
- Mental health problems
- Dementia
- Problems related to older age
- A physical disability
or be:
- A young person in a time of change or uncertainty who may need this support
What is it like to be part of a Shared Lives household?
Meet Shared Lives South West Carer Helga Crosland and Connor:
Meet Claire, Mel, Abby and Isabella:
Meet Simone and Grant:
Find more videos on Shared Lives South West
How to access Shared Lives
Shared Lives can be accessed via your youth worker, social worker or the team involved in your care.
Becoming a Shared Lives South West Carer
Shared Lives South West Carers need transferable skills, a spare room and a big heart. The application process takes around 8-12 weeks. It has benefits like working from home, being paid and giving something back to the community.
Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer
Learn more about Shared Lives
There is more information on Shared Lives on the Shared Lives South West website and on the national Shared Lives website.