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Shared Lives

Information about accessing or becoming a carer for this life-changing service. The scheme supports adults with additional needs in the community and home-like environments.

Shared Lives is a unique social care service for adults. We help people who need support to live or spend time with trained carers. We provide this service in a home and family-like environment or community setting. 

The scheme helps people to develop people with their independence. It also helps with their inclusion in the community. 

We tailor Shared Lives placements to the individual. This can include:

  • long-term housing 
  • respite support 
  • day support 

How to access the Shared Lives service

You must contact a social worker who will assess your needs before referring you to us for Shared Lives Support. 

Please click on the link below for information about the assessment process.

Request an assessment of your needs

Alternatively, you can request an assessment by:

Telephone: 0300 373 3301
Email: customerservicesASC@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

What happens next 

  1. the social worker will contact you to discuss the type of care you need and to carry out their assessment
  2. if Shared Lives is suitable for your needs, the social worker will refer you to the service
  3. once the referral is accepted, we will contact you to discuss the next steps and how we can match you to a carer

Shared Lives carers

You do not have to have experience of care work to be a carer. We assess all our carers, to see what level of support and training you might need. You will have a scheme worker, who will help you through this. 

You can help people who need it for a few hours a week, or accommodation and support in your own home for:

  • daytime support
  • overnight stays
  • weekend stays
  • holidays 
  • long-term live-in arrangements

How to become a Shared Lives carer

We’re currently recruiting carers for this service.

Register your interest in becoming a Shared Lives carer

Rates of pay

  • Long term: up to £687 per week
  • Respite: up to £779 per week
  • Day support: £11.70 to £12.70 per hour

Shared Lives is part of the Local Authority and is Care Quality Commission registered. 

We assess all carers to be approved carers and paid an allowance for the support they provide.