The Shared Lives service matches local people with adults who have:
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Older people
- People with mental health needs
- Younger people from the age of 16
Being a Shared Lives carer is very rewarding. We already have people in Blackpool offering their time and/or their home to help people who need short breaks, day support or longer term support.
Becoming a carer
Anyone can be a Shared Lives carer and we’re seeking new people to join our team.
You don’t need qualifications or experience; just your kindness, patience and a willingness to share your time and home.
All kinds of people can become approved carers - couples, individuals, and families of all ages.
Shared Lives carers need to live in the Blackpool area and have a passion for making a positive difference to another person’s life.
We will provide
- Full training and support
- A generous allowance for your time
You need to provide
To be a carer you need to be able to:
- Offer a safe, supportive and welcoming home with a spare bedroom if you are offering a longer term placement or short break
- Offer a stable and supportive environment, and have the motivation and commitment to develop a caring relationship with the person placed
- Offer time, encouragement and opportunity for the person to maintain and develop their skills, relationships and interests
You might need to help with:
- Accompanying people to appointments, for doctors and dentists and other health services
- Holidays, outings and entertainment such as outdoor activities
- Speaking up on the person's behalf if they struggle to do so themselves
- Helping to manage finances and safekeeping of medication
- Attending meetings and reviews with the person
Allowance
Carers receive payment to cover expenses when supporting those who use the service.
HMRC recognises that payments for shared lives are unique and have set up special arrangements to deal with carers individual tax situations.
The payment rate is based on the needs of the person supported.
People using the Shared Lives service make a contribution towards the cost of their support.
This is based on the individual’s ability to pay and will be as a result of a financial assessment.
How to apply
Approval process
We’re always looking for individuals, couples or families to offer their time and support to those who need help.
All of our Shared Lives carers go through a thorough application and assessment process.
This process involves:
- Making an initial enquiry via our enquiry form
- Someone from the shared lives team will contact you about your enquiry for an informal chat
- Submission of an application form
The application process usually takes about 6 months. Please don’t let this put you off - the team are here to support you every step of the way.
References and police checks will be taken and a member of the team will spend time with you in your home getting to know you.
The information gathered will then be shared with an independent approval panel who will make a decision about your suitability to become a Shared Lives carer.
Shared Lives carers are expected to participate in training and other activities relevant to their role, this will be provided by the shared lives service.
Blackpool Shared Lives service is regulated by registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It has to meet certain standards and regulations in order for it to be able to operate.