Shared Lives scheme
What is the Shared Lives service?
Shared Lives services are provided by Shared Lives carers, who share their home and family life with an adult who needs care or support to help them live well. The goal is an ordinary family life, where everyone gets to contribute and have meaningful relationships and are able to be active, valued citizens.
Find out how to become a Shared Lives carer.
How does it work?
Shared Lives services provide a unique and highly flexible form of accommodation and support, either on a permanent or short-term basis for people who require support with everyday living. This can be provided through day support, short breaks, emergency respite, or permanent residencies.
Shared Lives can support adults with a variety of support needs including learning disabilities, mental ill health, autism, sensory impairments, young adults moving on from children’s services or perhaps someone needing support after leaving hospital.
People using shared lives are supported by their shared lives carer to develop or maintain independent living skills and friendships and live as part of their local community, giving them a sense of wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment. They also enjoy other activities and support during the day to help them live their own independent and fulfilling lives. Many people moving in to shared lives arrangements from more institutional services are able to do things for the first time in their lives – to learn to cook, volunteer, work, make new friends or go on their first holiday.
Shared Lives carers are registered with a local shared lives scheme, which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission. The scheme is responsible for recruiting shared lives carers, and for ensuring each carer is appropriately trained to undertake their role in supporting the person they are providing care to. The scheme is also responsible for individually matching the shared lives carer with the person who needs their support, and for the provision of ongoing support to the shared lives carer and the person they are caring for.
The shared lives scheme for Central Bedfordshire residents with a learning disability is managed by Ategi; a registered charity that has been providing Shared Lives services for over 20 years.
Find out more
If you would like further information on the shared lives service, please contact:
Lisa Denton – Locality Manager
Ategi
Unit M1
DeHavilland Court
Penn Street
Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP7 0PX
Telephone: 01494 932920
Email: info@ategi.co.uk