Welcome to Shared Lives Shared Lives is a unique way of providing care and support that brings people together through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and community inclusion. Whether you are: • Looking for support for yourself or a family member • A social worker or professional seeking support options • A foster carer considering supporting adults • Interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer This booklet will help you understand how Shared Lives works and the difference it can make.

What is Shared Lives? Shared Lives is a service where carefully assessed and approved carers share their home, family life, and community with an adult who requires support. Unlike traditional care services, Shared Lives is built on relationships, belonging, and independence. Support may include: • Long-term placements • Short breaks • Day support • Outreach and community support • Transition support for care leavers

Shared Lives is about: ✓ Real homes ✓ Real relationships ✓ Real opportunities ✓ Real community connections

For People Looking for Support How Shared Lives Can Help Shared Lives supports adults to: • Live as independently as possible • Build confidence and life skills • Make friends and community connections • Access education, employment, and volunteering opportunities • Maintain family relationships • Achieve personal goals Support is tailored to each person's needs, preferences, and aspirations.

Benefits of Shared Lives What People Tell Us They Value • Feeling part of a family environment • Having consistent support from someone they know and trust • Increased independence • Greater social opportunities • Improved confidence and wellbeing • Choice and control over their lives Shared Lives focuses on what people can do and how support can help them achieve even more.

How Shared Lives Works Step 1 Referral and assessment Step 2 Getting to know the person, their needs, interests, and goals. Step 3 Careful matching with a Shared Lives carer. Step 4 Introductions and visits to build relationships. Step 5 Support begins and continues with regular reviews.

Why Become a Shared Lives Carer? Make a Real Difference in Someone's Life Shared Lives is about more than providing care. It is about building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and helping people live fulfilling lives as part of their community. As a Shared Lives carer, you open your home, your family life, and your community to an adult who needs support, helping them to achieve their goals, gain independence, and develop confidence. Every day, Shared Lives carers make a positive difference by offering stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

The Rewards of Being a Shared Lives Carer Helping Someone Reach Their Potential You will support people to develop life skills, gain confidence, make choices, and achieve personal goals that matter to them. Building Meaningful Relationships Many Shared Lives arrangements develop into long- lasting, trusting relationships that enrich the lives of everyone involved. Seeing Positive Change There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow in independence, learn new skills, make friends, or achieve something they didn't think was possible. Being Part of Your Community Shared Lives promotes inclusion and belonging. You will help people participate in local activities, build connections, and become active members of their community.

Flexible Ways to Provide Support Shared Lives offers a variety of opportunities, including: • Long-term support • Short breaks • Day support • Outreach and community-based support • Support for young adults transitioning from children's services

Who Can Become a Shared Lives Carer? We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life. You may already have experience as: • A foster carer • A support worker • A healthcare professional • A family carer Or you may simply have the values, commitment, and desire to support others. The most important qualities are: Compassion Patience Good communication skills A commitment to promoting independence Respect for diversity and individuality A willingness to share your home and lifestyle

Support Every Step of the Way You are never alone as a Shared Lives carer. The Shared Lives Scheme provides: • Comprehensive assessment and preparation • Ongoing training and development • Dedicated support from scheme staff • Regular reviews and monitoring visits • Opportunities to meet and learn from other carers • Guidance whenever you need it

Earn While Making a Difference Shared Lives carers receive payments for the support they provide. These payments recognise the valuable role carers play in supporting adults to live fulfilling and independent lives. The Shared Lives team can provide information about payment arrangements, expenses, and available support during the enquiry process. Payment Fees April 2026 In addition to the support payment, carer's Will usually receive: A housing related payment from the individual, often funded through Housing Benefit or their housing costs entitlement towards the accommodation provided. £143.84 depending on where you live A weekly contribution from the supported person towards food, utilities and laundry costs, £146.85 Payment Bands Payment rate level is a decision between Adult Social Care and the scheme. (Rates correct as of September 2026) Standard Rate £311.93 For individuals who require a lower level of support and supervision but benefit from regular guidance and assistance Enhanced Rate £334.79 For individuals who require increased support, additional supervision, assistance with personal care, health appointments, daily living tasks, or maintaining well-being Complex Rate £402.06 For individuals with complex care and support needs requiring significant levels of support, supervision, risk management, or specialist intervention.

Is Shared Lives Right for You? If you have room in your home, time to build meaningful relationships, and a passion for supporting others to live their best lives, Shared Lives could be an incredibly rewarding opportunity. You could help someone gain confidence, achieve independence, and feel truly part of a family and community. Foster Carers and Shared Lives Continuing Relationships Beyond 18 Some foster carers may choose to become Shared Lives carers and continue supporting a young person into adulthood. Shared Lives can provide: Continuity of relationships Stability during transition Ongoing support into adult life Opportunities to build independence at a pace that suits the individual This can be particularly valuable for care-experienced young people and adults who benefit from long-term trusted relationships.

How Do I Become a Shared Lives Carer? The Process 1. Initial enquiry 2. Information session 3. Home visit 4. Assessment 5. References and checks 6. Preparation training 7. Panel approval 8. Matching process Looking for Support? Our team can discuss how Shared Lives may help you or someone you know. Interested in Becoming a Shared Lives Carer? We would love to hear from you. Contact the Shared Lives Team Telephone: 0161 474 3636 Email: shared.lives@stockport.gov.uk Website: Shared Lives - Stockport Council Address: 8 Owens Farm Drive Offerton Stockport SK2 5EA

Real Homes. Real Relationships. Real Lives. Supporting people to belong, contribute and thrive within their communities.