Brent Shared lives

Brent Shared Lives matches adults who require support with trained carers, who open their homes and their lives. Shared lives is a flexible and individualised support model that focusses on helping people grow in confidence, independence, and connection.

Shared lives has been likened to Fostering, but for adults with support needs.

Carers share their time and a home with adults who may need a little extra support to live independently.

This may include people with:

• learning disabilities
• physical disabilities
• mental health needs

Support takes place as part of everyday life in a home environment.

Shared Lives supports people as part of everyday life in a home environment.

It can help people:

• build confidence
• become more independent
• develop relationships with others

People are matched based on shared interests and personalities, helping them feel comfortable and at home.

What support is available

You can get support in different ways, depending on your needs. These include:

• long-term support, where you live with a carer as part of their household.
• short breaks, where you stay overnight for respite.
• day support, where you spend time together and take part in everyday activities.

Getting support from Shared Lives

If you or someone you know might benefit from this kind of support, here is what you need to know:

• you must have care and support needs, such as a learning disability or mental health condition
• you must be aged 18 or over and meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Care Act 2014.

A social worker will need to make a referral on your behalf and share some key details with us.

What happens next

Once we receive the referral:

• we will contact you to arrange a care needs assessment 
• if you are eligible, we will begin the matching process to find the right carer for you.

Matching you with a carer

Every Shared Lives arrangement is carefully matched based on both people’s interests, personalities and support needs. The aim is to help people feel safe and genuinely at home.

For many Shared Lives carers, this is more than a job, it is a way of life that is deeply rewarding.

As a carer, you share your home and day-to-day life with someone who needs support.

You do not need formal care experience, but you do need the right values and a willingness to share your home.

Who can become a carer

To become a Shared Lives carer, you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• live in the UK full-time or have leave to remain
• have time and space to support someone either full or part-time
• have a spare bedroom, if offering overnight support

It's also useful to know that:

• everyone can apply - we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
• you can continue working – Shared Lives carers are self-employed, and many balance caring with part-time or flexible work
• you can apply if you rent your home – you'll need your landlord's permission, and your home must meet our safety and space requirements (Brent may ask for a copy of your tenancy agreement)

Assessment, training and support

To become an approved Shared Lives carer, you'll complete an assessment to help us make sure you're a good match for the people you support.

The approval process usually takes 3 to 5 months, depending on your availability and how quickly checks can be completed.

As part of the assessment, you'll complete:

• background checks, including a DBS check and references
• interviews
• home visits
• training
• a detailed assessment of your household
• panel approval

We'll keep you informed throughout the process and support you at every stage.

You'll receive full training before you begin, including safeguarding, health and safety, and first aid. Once you're approved, you'll continue to receive regular support from the Shared Lives team, along with opportunities to meet and learn from other Shared Lives carers.

This includes:

• 24-hour out-of-hours support for emergencies or urgent advice
• a dedicated Shared Lives worker
• regular supervision and check-ins
• ongoing training and development
• peer support other Shared Lives carers

If a placement isn't the right match, we'll work with you to resolve any issues wherever possible. If the placement does need to end, we'll arrange a planned move for the person you support. You won't be expected to manage difficult situations on your own, and we'll always prioritise the wellbeing of both you and the person you support.

Pay and allowance

As a Brent Shared Lives carer, you’ll be paid for the support you provide. For many people, this can become a full-time role.

Shared Lives carers are self-employed and receive a weekly payment, along with tax-free allowances.

Weekly payment

Your weekly payment depends on the level of support the person needs:

• Band 1: £596.18 per week, per person (highest level of support)
• Band 2: £516.97 per week, per person (medium level of support)
• Band 3: £437.68 per week, per person (lowest level of support)

Tax-free allowance

You’ll also receive:

a fixed tax-free allowance of £19,360 per household each year, plus £485 per week for each person you support

Example

If you support one person for a full year, your tax-free allowance would be:

• £19,360 (fixed yearly amount)
• £25,220 (£485 × 52 weeks)

Total: £44,580 tax-free.

Payments and allowances are designed to support you financially in your role as a Shared Lives carer.