Shared Lives

What is Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is a care and support service for people who want to live independently in their local area with the support of a family and community network. 

It is a safe alternative to supported living or residential care and involves spending time in the home of a trained, approved carer who provides support.  

Shared Lives is available long term and short term (also known as respite). 

Shared Lives carers support: 

• older people
• adults with mental health needs
• people with physical or sensory difficulties
• adults with learning disabilities
• people who have been in foster care 

They can help with tasks including: 

• cooking and preparing meals
• getting to medical appointments
• socialising and companionship
• taking part in activities and hobbies

Shares Lives Solihull is delivered by Shared Lives Birmingham, part of Birmingham City Council.

How to access support

If you think Shared Lives would be a good option for you, you can discuss it with your social worker. 

Become a Shared Lives carer

If you have a caring nature, have previously cared for people, or you’re looking for a new paid opportunity working from home, apply now to become a Shared Lives carer. 

You don’t need any qualifications, as all Shared Lives carers receive training, support, and guidance.  

If you are approved and matched with someone who moves in with you, you will also receive a weekly fee of between £498 and £608 (correct as of June 2025). 

You can provide two types of support as a Shared Lives carer including: 

• long-term care, which involves someone moving in with you for weeks, months or years
• short-term or respite care, which involves offering support for one or two days a week (this could include overnight stays) to offer respite for family carers  

If you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer, register your interest with Birmingham City Council.  

Register your interest