Shared Llives supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.

Shared Lives match someone who needs care with an approved carer. The carer shares their family and community life and gives care and support to the person with care needs.

Shared lives are an alternative to traditional kinds of care, such as care homes.

Shared Lives are also known as adult placements.

Sharing a home, family and community life with a Shared Lives carer lets you get to know and bond with the carer.

Before starting the placement, you have the chance to get to know the shared lives carer and decide whether you want to spend time together.

People sometimes use a shared lives scheme as a way of learning the skills they need to live independently and to help them put down roots in the area or community before moving into a place of their own.

Shared Lives relies on carers, and the schemes is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Carers are trained and vetted by the scheme.

Shared Lives do pay the self-employed shared lives carers but not by the hour. Carers, as well as their families and friends, contribute a lot that is unpaid.

If you’re interested in becoming a shared lives carer, contact info@sunderlandcareandsupport.co.uk.