Shared Lives Plus Community

17/06/2026

This , we're celebrating the people who make Shared Lives so special.

Meet Sarah, who is supported by Tower Hamlets Council Shared Lives scheme; she combines a full-time job with her role as a day Shared Lives carer, supporting Alan and Chris to try new experiences, build confidence and achieve their goals.

Shared Lives isn't just about support – it's about connections and helping people live life their way. The more people that know about it, the more lives can change.

Watch their story and discover the difference Shared Lives can make.

Sarah fulfils her Shared Lives role alongside another full-time job. Find out how she gives back to her community by supporting Alan and Chris to have new ex...

17/06/2026

As part of Shared Lives Week, Katie* is shouting about Shared Lives because it’s helped her reconnect with the things she enjoys.

When Katie was introduced to Shared Lives Westmorland & Furness by her social worker, she wasn't sure what to expect. She hadn't been getting out much and wondered whether it might help.

Just two months later, she says it's already making a difference.

With support from her Shared Lives carer, Katie now attends a weekly painting class and is doing something she loves.

"It's helped me build confidence, get out of the house and back to creating again. Having a Shared Lives carer makes going out feel easier, just knowing they are there."

She's now thinking about other places she'd like to visit and new experiences she'd like to try.

Throughout Shared Lives Week, we're sharing stories like Katie's to help more people understand Shared Lives and encourage people to ‘tell one person’ about it.

*Name changed


Westmorland and Furness Council

17/06/2026

"Shared Lives is the path to a happy life."

Seven years ago, Jake was living in a homeless hostel, feeling isolated and unsure about the future. Today, thanks to Shared Lives, he has a job he loves, a busy social life, a home where he belongs, and a family who support him every step of the way.

For Shared Lives carer Emma, welcoming Jake into her home became the start of an extraordinary friendship that has changed both of their lives.

Read Jake, Emma and Angie’s inspiring story and discover how Shared Lives can transform lives on both sides of the match. https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/17/shared-lives-is-the-path-to-a-happy-life-jake-angie-and-emmas-story/

BCP Council

16/06/2026

Angela's* journey into Shared Lives began with one young person she was already supporting - and it became a life-changing experience for everyone involved.

As a foster carer, Angela wasn't ready to say goodbye when Carl* turned 18. Through Shared Lives, she found a way to continue supporting him as he builds confidence, develops independence and takes exciting steps towards his future.

This we're celebrating the people who make Shared Lives so special and the real difference they make every day.

Read Angela and Carl's story here: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/16/supporting-a-young-person-into-adulthood/

Help us "Shout About Shared Lives" this week by telling one person about Shared Lives and the difference it can make.



*named changed

16/06/2026

More than a place to live – a place to belong. This , we're sharing Jason's inspiring story of resilience, independence and love.

After experiencing loss, instability and loneliness growing up, Jason found the support, consistency and sense of belonging he needed when he joined Stockport Council Shared Lives scheme and moved in with carers Gary and Tim.

Since then, Jason has built his confidence, become active in his community, developed his independence and strengthened important family relationships. Most recently, he found love and is now looking forward to marrying his fiancé, Martin, in August 2026.

Read Jason's full story on the Shared Lives Plus website: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/16/more-than-a-place-to-live-jasons-story-of-belonging-love-and-independence/

This Shared Lives Week, help us and tell one person about the difference Shared Lives can make.

16/06/2026

During Shared Lives Week, we’re sharing our film Become a Shared Lives carer to help more people discover how Shared Lives can support young people leaving care.

Some people assume support ends at 18, but for many young people, that’s when stability, belonging and the right relationships matter most.

Shared Lives can help young people maintain important relationships and move into adulthood with confidence.

As Rug, a Shared Lives carer, explains in the film: “Shared Lives gives that extra time for that young adult to believe and be cared for and be loved. They need to know that they're worthwhile.”

Watch the film and find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2sNztDDOI4&t=2s

Become a Shared Lives carer! Our Shared Lives for Young People Leav...

16/06/2026

Today for we’re sharing stories that show how Shared Lives can help young people maintain important relationships as they move into adulthood.

Amy is sharing her family's story and why she believes more people should know about Shared Lives.

For more than 13 years, Caleb spent regular short breaks with Joe and Easther, becoming part of their family as well as his own.

When Caleb approached his 18th birthday, Amy feared those important relationships and support could come to an end.

Instead, through Shared Lives Glasgow, managed by Cornerstone, Joe and Easther were able to become Shared Lives carers and continue supporting Caleb into adulthood.

"Joe and Easther aren't just respite carers to us; they are family."

Amy says Shared Lives gave her family "a lifeline" during a difficult time and helped Caleb continue spending time with people who know him, care about him and are an important part of his life.

Read the full story: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/15/it-gave-us-a-lifeline-amy-and-calebs-shared-lives-story/

15/06/2026

As part of Shared Lives Week, we're sharing stories and experiences that show what Shared Lives can make possible.

We all need a place where we feel settled and safe. In Shared Lives, that starts with taking time to build the right relationship.

In this video, Laura Newman, a social worker with Shared Lives BwD - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, shares how this worked in practice for one person she supported.

It began with visits and short stays and grew into a long-term home through the local Shared Lives scheme, where people are matched with a Shared Lives carer and share home and family life.

What made it work was everyone working together - the Shared Lives carer, the scheme and professionals - to get the match right and support the person to feel settled and at home.

Watch the video to hear more: https://vimeo.com/1168805451/7f680303da

This Shared Lives Week, we're encouraging everyone to help us by telling one person about Shared Lives and why it matters.

This is "BwD Shared Lives" by Practice Development Team on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

15/06/2026

As part of Shared Lives Week, Joseph is sharing why becoming a Shared Lives carer with New Directions Ltd Shared Lives scheme has been one of the most rewarding decisions he's ever made.

For the past 10 years, Joseph has supported Thomas (pictured) through Shared Lives. Together they enjoy trips to the gym, going to the cinema and spending time together at home.

Looking back, Joseph says he has gained just as much from the arrangement as Thomas.

"He has made me a better person in many ways. I am far more patient now than I ever was in the past and much more empathetic towards everybody I meet in life."

Joseph believes many people rule themselves out of becoming a Shared Lives carer when they don't need to.

"The experience that life affords all of us is all you need."

Read Joseph's story and help us this Shared Lives Week:
https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/15/the-experience-that-life-affords-is-all-you-need-why-joseph-wants-more-people-to-consider-shared-lives/

15/06/2026

Welcome to Shared Lives Week 2026!

This year’s theme is: "Shout about Shared Lives". Shared Lives is often described as social care’s ‘best kept secret’. This week, we want to change that.

Across the UK, Shared Lives schemes, Shared Lives carers and people supported by Shared Lives will be sharing stories, videos and events to help more people understand what Shared Lives is and the difference it can make.

Over the coming week, we'll be sharing stories from across the UK, including Jessie and Henry's experience of becoming Shared Lives carers in their twenties while balancing full-time jobs and renovating their first home.

Their story challenges assumptions about who can become a carer and shows how Shared Lives can help young people leaving care build independent lives.

Read their story: Shared Lives Week 2026: “People think carers are older - we’re 27".

Throughout the week, we’re encouraging people to take part in our “tell one person” challenge - simply telling one new person about Shared Lives and why it matters.

We also invite you to join us for our free national online Shared Lives Week webinar on Thursday 18th June 2-3pm. The webinar will be hosted by Dr Krish Kandiah OBE, a social entrepreneur, CEO, broadcaster, foster carer and Shared Lives carer.

Hear from people with lived experience of Shared Lives, Shared Lives carers and family members sharing their experiences and why, if more people knew about Shared Lives, more lives could change. Register now via the link in the comments.

This year, Shared Lives Week also takes place alongside Learning Disability Week 2026, led by Mencap, with many schemes marking both weeks side by side.

Thank you for your support – here’s to a great week!



https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/15/welcome-to-shared-lives-week-2026/