SHARED Lives can make a huge difference to the lives of carers and cared-for people.

Bettertogether, Shared Lives provider, is working across Thurrock and neighbouring Havering to help improve the lives of adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia, or care leavers.

It's about living together, building relationships, and creating opportunities for independence in a real family environment.

Shared Lives is a help network and social care service where adults with disabilities, mental health issues, or other needs are matched with approved carers, living with them or visiting to receive support. 

It has recently been acknowledged by Thurrock Council as a gamechanger in helping local people and the local council has partnered with registered not for profit company Bettertogether.

The scheme can offer:

• an alternative to traditional care homes
• the chance to get support in an ordinary family household
• either long-term accommodation or short breaks

How it works

Support is offered by carefully chosen people of all backgrounds – single people, couples or families – called 'Shared Lives Carers'. Each Shared Lives Carer is trained, vetted, and monitored to provide high-quality, personalised support within their home but you don't need to have professional experience just kindness and a safe, welcoming home.

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Shared Lives Carers can enjoy the flexibility of working from home and being self employed with a generous allowance and tax relief. Whilst being supported 24/7 by Bettertogether.

Bettertogether arranges care agreements and offers support and guidance throughout the time that accommodation is provided. They are rated as outstanding by their regulators Care Quality Commission.

It offers a flexible alternative to traditional care homes, focusing on independence, family life, and community inclusion, often providing long-term, short-term, or day support as carers share their home, family, and community life with the person they support.

The scheme promotes independence, builds confidence, fosters relationships, and offers a safer, more personalised environment than traditional residential care.

It is primarily funded through local authority or NHS budgets, though some individuals may self-fund. 

Shehnaz's Shared Lives Adventure

Shehnaz lives in Rainham and has been a Shared Lives Carer since 2019. She shares her home with her husband, Gool, her son, Arshad, three cats and a full fish tank, - as well as Janice, Paul and Michelle - so there is never a dull moment!

Shahnaz began as a foster carer and childminder, so moving into Shared Lives felt natural. She already had a good understanding of what to expect when sharing your home. While it comes with its challenges, she found being a Shared Lives Carer to be easier than fostering because the people she supports are more independent. And that's how her Shared Lives journey began.

Janice and Paul were the first to join Shehnaz's household, and they hit it off straight away. Janice was scared at first and was only visiting for respite, but she enjoyed it so much she asked to stay. "Arshad is one of my best friends now," Janice says about Shehnaz's son, and the pair often go on days out together. Paul loves to go out in the car, especially visits to Lakeside Shopping Centre and the restaurant that makes his favourite chicken curry.

Michelle joined later, already good friends with Paul from their day centre. She initially came for respite and asked her brothers if she could move in full time. Since then, the three have become best friends, enjoying fun activities together. Bowling is a favourite, and when they not at Lakeside, they often return home with a cuddly toy. Shehnaz laughs, 'Paul's bed is so full of toys, you can't see it anymore!'

Weekends are full of plans with friends and family Michelle, a huge West Ham fan, always watches the match with her brothers. 'I don't like Man United' she says with a thumbs down. Janice spends Sundays with her sister, enjoying shopping or meals out. Paul calls his brother who lives further away, sharing pictures and messages. He also loves ABBA and sing along while helping around the house. Shehnaz says, "Paul helps everyone, makes tea and coffee, and always washes the dishes."

One unforgettable moment was a trip to Tunisia last year. The group went on a pirate boat party, enjoyed plenty of food and wore pirate hats all day. Afterwards, they took a coach into the desert to watch the sunrise.

"Overall, the best part has been seeing everyone settle into the house and feel at home," Shehnaz reflects. "At first, Janice was scared and hesitant, but now she does things she couldn't have imagined before. She's very brave and smart." When asked about Shared Lives, she adds, "This is the best job I've ever had. It's so rewarding.

Shared Lives offers a unique opportunity to provide care and connection by sharing your home and your life. Shared Lives is about more than support – it's about friendship, family and making a difference. If you have a caring nature and a spare room, you could change lives too. If you think you could offer support and want to explore your options, get in touch today.

Could you share your life?

Get in touch today.

Telephone: 0208 519 9536

Email: [email protected]

Learn about some the ways Shared Lives has made a difference across the country. https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/news/