Become a shared lives provider

Being a Shared Lives provider is a rewarding role where you can make a difference helping adults and young people with learning disabilities and mental health needs lead fulfilling and thriving lives. 

Shared Lives providers share their home and family life, offering short-term, respite, long-term and emergency care for up to three people at a time. 

We are looking for Shares Lives providers across County Durham. We welcome people from all walks of life, including: 

• all ages (over 18 years)
• all backgrounds and ethnic groups 
• all sexual orientations
• who are single, married or living with a partner
• who have, or don't have, children
• who own their own home or live in rented accommodation
• who are employed, unemployed or retired

If you have a spare bedroom, a safe and comfortable home, a caring nature, a passion for offering high-quality care and support and the desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

You do not need any specific qualifications and although experience is an advantage, transferable skills, enthusiasm, motivation and dedication are all equally important. 

In return, you will receive an allowance to help you meet the needs of the person in your care, and contribute towards your household bills. You will receive full training and amazing support from the highly motivated Shared Lives team throughout your Shared Lives journey. 

As a Shared Lives provider, you can decide if you want to provide short-term, long-term or emergency care for up to three people at a time.

Contact Shared Lives to find out more or to request an application pack.

The application process

When we receive your initial enquiry, we will send you an application pack to complete.

When we receive your application form, we will arrange to visit you at home to find out more about you and talk about why you want to become a Shared Lives provider.

This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the process, and to ask questions about Shared Lives.

The assessment process

We will work with you to complete your Shared Lives assessment. This will take around 6-8 weeks. Your support manager will visit you regularly to get to know you and your family.

They will also carry out a health and safety checklist on your home and complete some initial checks, these will include medical, police and personal references.

Once a full assessment of your family circumstances is complete, your support manager will create a report, which will be shared with you for your comments. 

You are required to take part in mandatory training and register as a member with Shared Lives Plus. 

Approval

Once your assessment is complete, it will go to an Independent Shared Lives Panel, who will decide whether to approve you as a provider.  You will be informed of the decision in writing.

Once approved, your support manager will work closely with you to place the right person with you and your family.