Apply to be a Shared Lives carer in Hackney

Shared Lives is a care company that offers live-in support to people with care needs to help them live more independently.

About Shared Lives

Shared Lives is a service in Hackney that connects people who need care with local Shared Lives carers.

Shared Lives carers welcome people with care needs into their home on a temporary or permanent basis.

Shared Lives supports people aged 16 and over who have eligible care needs, such as:

• a learning disability
• autism
• mental health conditions

Referrals are made by social workers or healthcare professionals.

What support Shared Lives carers provide

Shared Lives carers provide different types of care and support. It depends on the needs of the person they are paired with. The different types of care are:

• day support: supporting someone for part of the day, but not overnight
• overnight respite: overnight care for someone who lives in a supported environment or with family, on a regular or occasional basis
• live-in support: having someone move in to your home for long-term care, as part of your family

Shared Lives carers help people with a range of tasks, such as:

• practical tasks like cooking, shopping, budgeting
• personal care like washing, dressing, taking their medication
• social activities like making new friends, staying in touch with family, taking part in community activities
• accessing education, training, employment, or volunteering opportunities

Who can be a Shared Lives carer

You don’t need any qualifications to be a Shared Lives carer. It is more important to have the right personal qualities to offer support, care, and a welcoming home.

Some of the key qualities we look for include patience, empathy, and a desire to make a positive difference.

To apply, you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• be a full-time resident in the UK or have the legal right to remain
• have the time and commitment to support someone, either full-time or part-time
• have the support of the people in your household
• have a spare bedroom available if providing overnight care

Pay and benefits

Shared Lives carers get paid for the care and support they provide, depending on the type of support they offer. The payment covers both your time and expenses.

For some carers, this role becomes a full-time career.

Support and training

You will have ongoing support from a dedicated Shared Lives officer, who will provide guidance, training, and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to connect with other carers through the Hackney Shared Lives Carers Group.

How to apply

To find out more or apply to become a Shared Lives carer, email shared.livesteam@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 8070.

We will try to contact you within 5 working days to discuss the scheme and the application process.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating

Our CQC rating is good. For more detailed information about our CQC rating, visit Hackney Shared Lives Scheme – CQC.