‘Shared Lives filled a gap in our hearts... It’s so rewarding to be able to give people a loving home.’
Are you looking for a life-changing job you can do in your own home?
Brighton & Hove City Council’s ‘Shared Lives’ scheme is looking for more carers to welcome adults with disabilities into their homes.
Shared Lives is a way to support adults who are unable to live independently.
The scheme places adults, aged 18 or over, with carers who offer accommodation, care and support in their own home. This might be for a long-term placement or to provide a short break.
You can find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer by attending a drop-in information session on Zoom 19 January, between 2pm and 3.30pm. To book a place visit: Shared Lives (brighton-hove.gov.uk) You can join anytime.
Carol and her husband Paul, from Brighton, have been Shared Lives carers for 24 years.
“After our own children left home, being part of Shared Lives filled the gap in our hearts that they had left behind,” says Carol.
“It is so rewarding to be able to give people a loving home when their previous experiences of homes aren’t so positive or loving.”
Jordan, 23, set his heart on living with Shared Lives carers Carol and her husband Paul, after first spending time with them as a teenager in respite care.
He has now lived with the couple for five years.
“I love staying with Carol and Paul,” says Jordan. “I get to do lots of fun things and go to cool places, like Blackpool.”
“It keeps both Paul and myself feeling young and active,” adds Carol. “We do all kinds of activities with Jordan - and other people who stay with us from Shared Lives for shorter breaks – that we wouldn’t otherwise!”
The people our Shared Lives carers provide a home for often have day activities they attend during the day, such as college, voluntary work or hobbies. Being a Shared Lives carer is about supporting our service users with their independence and enabling them to make their own choices in life.
Councillor Zoe John, Deputy Chair of CYPS and Chair of Corporate Parenting Board said: “We are delighted to be launching this new recruitment campaign for Shared Lives carers.
“It’s is a fantastic opportunity for caring people who would like to work from home and make a huge difference to someone’s life.
“Many of our carers tell us about the amazing relationships they’ve built and that joining Shared Lives is the best decision they’ve ever made.
“All kinds of people can be Shared Lives carers: couples or singles, those with or without children, home-owners or tenants.”
"We warmly invite more of our residents to consider joining us.”
Full training and support are provided. You are paid based on the needs of each person you support. The carers work on a self-employed basis.
See our website for more about the council’s Shared Lives scheme, or:
