Shared Lives: could you be a carer?

• Shared Lives carers open up their home and family lives to include a young person, adult or elderly person who needs care and support, due to mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities. Together they share family and community life.
• Encourages them to have self-confidence and become more independent
• Gives them the message that they matter, they are cared for and they are entitled to be part of a community as well as a family.
• Many of the people who use our services would otherwise live in residential settings.
• We match carers with people who have similar interests and there is an in depth assessment process.

What it takes to be a Shared Lives carer

Carers often have an interest in, or have worked in, the care sector, particularly with those affected by disabilities, but all training can be provided. There are no formal qualifications or training required to become a carer. We are looking for people who have a genuine desire to offer a family setting to a vulnerable person. All you need is to be:

• aged 18 and over and in good health
• a resident in Luton
• friendly, reliable, caring and able to respect the rights and dignity of vulnerable adults
• flexible and outcome focussed approached to care
• able to meet care and social needs
• able to provide a spare bedroom (apart from in the case of day respite)

There are opportunities for short term (respite) carers, as well as long-term placement opportunities with agreed respite breaks. Some of our existing Shared Lives carers hold down a part time job and fit this in around caring for someone at their home, so contact our team to discuss your own situation.

All applications will be assessed and approved to ensure that they abide by our equal opportunities policy. All applicants will be DBS checked.

What you'll get

All Shared Lives carers receive:

• an income and an allowance to help you fulfil this valuable role
• regular support over the phone and through routine visits from Shared Lives workers
• support in accessing other services
• relevant training is provided
• opportunities to network with other carers
• participation in regular reviews
• planned respite

You can contact us by calling us on 01582 548561/ 548562 or emailing [email protected].