Make a difference by joining our network of Shared Lives carers

This week is Shared Lives Week (24 to 28 June), an annual campaign that celebrates Shared Lives and the wonderful work of Shared Lives carers. 

Shared Lives is a way to support adults and young people over the age of 16 who are unable to live independently. 

The scheme places the person with a Shared Lives carer who provides accommodation, care and support in their home. Carers can give support full-time or for short breaks, respite or day activities. 

Shared Lives carers support people who experience:

  • Learning disabilities
  • Physical disabilities 
  • Mental health conditions
  • Sensory impairments

Shared Lives carers also support older people with support needs and care leavers. 

Shared Lives can be a positive and rewarding experience for both the carer and the person being supported. In fact, some of our Shared Lives carers have been supporting people for over 30 years! 

Find out more about our Shared Lives scheme. 

How carers are paid and supported

In Brighton & Hove, our Shared Lives team provide training and regular meetings with Shared Lives carers across the city. The team also offer support to ensure any placements are a good match for families or households. 

Shared Lives carers receive a weekly fee of up to £400 per adult they care for with significant tax benefits. Shared Lives carers can care for up to 3 adults at a time. 

Join our Shared Lives scheme

We know that there are many more people who would benefit from a Shared Lives placement, so we are currently recruiting more Shared Lives carers. 

To join our Shared Lives scheme, you must: 

  • live in Brighton & Hove 
  • have a spare room 
  • have some experience of being a carer (work or personal experience)

But most importantly, you need to be keen to open your home and your life to someone needing support. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, join us at our drop-in session at Hove Library on Thursday 27 June from 10am to 4pm. 

If you can’t make the drop-in session, you can also get in touch with the team by emailing info.sharedlives@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 295550. 

Lyn and Celia’s story

Lyn became a Shared Lives carer over 30 years ago and currently supports 3 people, one of which has lived with Lyn’s family since the 90s. 

A photo of 2 people sitting at a kitchen table

Lyn said: “It has been a good lifestyle choice for me as I enjoyed working with people with a learning disability and it enabled me to do this while spending more time at home while my children grew up.

“It’s a varied role and at times it can be hard, especially watching someone you care about become unwell. But there is a lot of joy and fun too. It means my work involves a lot of time out in the community doing nice things with people, whether that is day trips, going out for meals or seeing films and shows. 

“It has kept me active, and it is always lovely to see the people who live with me enjoy themselves and grow in confidence. I also know that I am appreciated and doing something that is making such a difference. 

“I get to spend time in my home, rather than going to an office or workplace. Monday to Friday people usually have some activities going on in the day which give me some free time. 

“I would recommend Shared Lives as a good alternative way of life, if you are a caring person who likes to have fun and see people grow.”