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Shared Lives

Shared Lives provides a safe, secure home for adults who are not able to live on their own, by matching them with an approved Shared Lives carer.

Shared Lives carers share their home life and / or their community life to support an adult with additional needs to live their life to the fullest.

They are amazing individuals, couples, or families who have a range of skills, experience, and knowledge.

For older people, and those with a learning disability, physical disability, or mental health needs, taking part in everyday life is incredibly important. Shared Lives can help with the development of independent living skills, friendships, and a sense of wellbeing, all in a safe and supportive environment.

The support can be for a few hours, a few days, for regular breaks, or the adult can even live with a Shared Lives carer on a long-term basis in their home, as part of a family.

Who does Shared Lives support?

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Shared Lives supports people who:

are over 18
are eligible for social care services
need support to live in the community if:
- they cannot live with their own family but want to live as part of a family
- they want to take a short break
- their own family or carers want to take a break or a holiday
- their carer is ill or needs a rest

Could you make a difference to someone's life?

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We want to make Shared Lives support available to more people in Middlesbrough, and you could help us do this by becoming a Shared Lives carer.

The support you provide can be flexible to fit in with your lifestyle, and you're welcome to offer as much or as little time as you can.

Being a Shared Lives carer is incredibly rewarding.

You can:

make a positive difference to someone's life
learn new skills and get training - you do not need any experience, and we'll provide the training you need
get a generous allowance - the amount is agreed beforehand, depending on how much care is needed

Apply

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All our Shared Lives carers go through an application and assessment process, so we can be sure that you have the qualities and home environment we're looking for.

The application process also helps us to match you with the right person.

Middlesbrough Council are working together with The Avalon Group to identify Shared Lives carers.

You can find out more and apply to be a Shared Lives carer on The Avalon Group website.

Visit The Avalon Group website

Shared Lives carers can also benefit from membership of Shared Lives Plus, the UK membership charity which offers a network of specialist support, legal advice, latest news, and shopping discounts. Membership fees also cover public liability insurance for the carer's home, offering great peace of mind. You can find out more on the Shared Lives Plus website.