Shared Lives carers

Shared Lives is a unique service that supports people in a family setting. Shared Lives carers welcome adults with care and support needs in their own home, to be cared for as part of their family. A little bit like Foster Care.

Who can benefit from Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is a very flexible service that can support people from the age of 16 with a personal care need or 18 without. The people we support thrive in their carefully matched families. Shared Lives can offer the following care and support-

  • long term placements
  • short term placements (perfect for building independent skills)
  • respite holidays
  • respite holidays for Unpaid carers
  • day support

Shared Lives enables people from all walks of life with varying care needs. We ensure that a person’s independence is promoted, including their health and wellbeing. People who could benefit from the service are (but not limited to:

  • people with a learning disability
  • autistic people
  • people who experience mental health issues
  • people with a physical disability
  • people with a sensory impairment
  • older people
  • people with dementia
  • people transitioning from Children's services
  • Mum/Dad and baby placements
  • people who have additional needs who need support after domestic abuse

Are the Shared Lives carers trained? 

All Shared Lives carers complete training in line with Skills for Care recommendations.

Is Shared Lives a regulated service?

Yes, Shared Lives Wirral is regulated by CQC. The carers work under the registered manager’s registration.

Is there a Shared Lives office?

Yes, Shared Lives is based in Room 2, 1st Floor, The Grange, Grove Road, Wallasey CH45 0JA.

Is there 24 hour support?

Shared Lives carers know and understand their role and, depending on the severity of the emergency or crisis, the Shared Lives carer may need to contact emergency services directly such as:

  • Emergency Duty Team
  • Ambulance
  • Police
  • Fire Service
  • Mental Health Crisis Team          

What support is offered to the Shared Lives carers and the people they support?

Each Shared Lives family has a dedicated placement officer who they can contact if there is anything they need. Our placement officers will support the Shared Lives family with anything from everyday issues to CQC and Health and Safety Compliance. As a minimum, the placement officers will visit Shared Lives families at least every 3 months.

How many people can a Shared Lives carer support at any one time?

Shared Lives carers can support up to three people at any one time. This includes long term carers, respite carers, day support carers and carers who do a bit of everything.

How do I become a Shared Lives carer?

You can become a Shared Lives carer by emailing sharedlives@wirral.gov.uk and we will discuss your needs.

How do I get support from Shared Lives?

The easiest way is to speak to your social worker. If you do not have one, get in touch either by calling 0151 666 4422 or emailing sharedlives@wirral.gov.uk