Shared Lives is a service provided by individuals and families in local communities. Everyone has the right to choose where they live. An adult who needs accommodation, care and support this may have limited choices. This is where the West Sussex County Councils Shared Lives Scheme can help.

The Shared Lives Scheme supports a diverse group of people who have eligible care and support needs and the Scheme matches the people who require the care and support with approved and trained Shared Lives Carers.

A Shared Lives Carer might be someone who has a background in health and social care or someone who has cared for a friend of relative who has care and support needs.

A Shared Lives Carer is someone who promotes dignity, privacy and who is respectful and of good character. A kind and caring person who enjoys spending time with people.

A Shared Lives Carer is someone who is willing to open up their lives and invite people who need care and support into their own homes to provided long or short term care.

A Shared Lives Carer is someone who would offer the opportunity for an individual to have an ‘ordinary life’, promote independence, develop and maintain their skills and keep people safe.

To become a Shared Lives Carer it can take up to 6-8 months; this includes a form of assessment of your knowledge, skills and experience, several meetings with one of the Shared Lives Workers, to undertake a level of training and e-learning. A detailed assessment report is completed by the Scheme and presented to and independent panel for approval. The Shared Lives Worker supports you through the whole process and attends the panel meeting with you.

You will be paid by the Council for the range of services you are able to provide and you will be self-employed and entitled to tax concessions as part of being a member of a Shared Lives Scheme.