Yes, a Shared Lives carer can help you find new activities with the help of their Shared Lives Coordinator. Shared Lives Coordinators are highly experienced in liaising with activity groups in the community, therefore they can find activities for people with varying interests.
Shared Lives
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is for adults who need support and want to live in a family home. It’s a bit like foster care, but for adults.
At Ategi, we’ll match you with one of our trained Shared Lives carers. They will share their home and family life with you, help you work towards your goals, and support you to be more independent.
You can:
- Spend the day with a carer
- Stay for a short break
- Move in and live with a carer
It’s flexible and tailored to what you need.
Andy is supported through Shared Lives.
Mikey and Louise with their Shared Lives carer, Annie.
Who is Shared Lives for?
Shared Lives is for anyone over 18 who:
- Wants to live in a family home
- Needs support to live independently
People join Shared Lives for many reasons, such as:
- A physical disability
- A learning disability
- Autism
- Mental health needs
- Recovering from addiction or illness
- Adjusting after leaving hospital
- Moving on from children’s services
Shared Lives is a great choice if you don’t want to live alone or in a large group setting. It helps you live as part of a family and community while building strong, natural relationships.
How you can benefit from Shared Lives?
Hear about some of the ways Shared Lives has helped the people we support
How would I spend my time?
You and your carer will decide how you spend your time together. Here are some things you could do:
- Try new activities at home or out and about
- Learn new skills and build confidence
- Get better at everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning
- Attend health appointments, college, or clubs
- Get support to volunteer or work
- Prepare to move into your own home
- Adjust to big changes, like leaving college or hospital
If you prefer smaller groups or one-to-one support, Shared Lives is perfect for you.
Speak to our team to find out if we can support you.
Chif making a bug hotel. Chif is supported through Shared Lives.
Are you a social worker who would like more information on Shared Lives?
Access some useful training videos below.
How does it work?
Every arrangement between a carer and person using Shared Lives is as unique as they are. The beauty of Shared Lives is it’s all about you.
Shared Days
Spend time with a Shared Lives carer during the day. You might spend time at their home or go out together. This is great if you live with your family or in your own home but need extra support.
Short breaks
Stay with a Shared Lives carer for a short time—overnight, for a weekend, or even longer. Short breaks can happen as often as you need them.
Living in Shared Lives
Move in with a Shared Lives carer and live as part of their family. You’ll have your own room and a support plan. Stays can last a few months or many years, depending on what works best for you.
What are the benefits of Shared Lives?
It's unique to you
Every arrangement is designed to match your strengths, goals, and preferences.
It’s Safe
All carers are carefully trained and checked, and arrangements are monitored by professionals.
It’s Stable
Many people stay in Shared Lives for years, providing a secure and supportive environment.
It Builds Relationships
You’ll connect with your carer, their family, and the local community.
Building relationships
Whether your're sharing your days, staying for a short break or moving in with your Shared Lives carer, you'll be spending time with your carer, their family and in the local community helping you to build relationships with the family and people in the area.
Increases independence
Shared Lives helps you build skills and confidence to live the life you want.
How do I pay for Shared Lives?
Most people are supported by their Local Authority, which assesses their needs and covers costs. If you have direct payments or pay for your own care, Shared Lives is still an option—just contact us to find out more.
Your home
Usually covered by housing benefit.
Food & bills
A weekly contribution to your carer.
Activities & extras
You’ll cover the cost of any activities or things you want to buy.
Ategi can help you set everything up.
Where is Shared Lives available?
There are Shared Lives schemes all over the country but below are the areas that Ategi run Shared Lives schemes.
Wales: Cardiff
England: Buckinghamshire, Southwark, Slough, Central Bedfordshire & South Gloucestershire
Our latest inspection (CQC/CIW) reports
Do you want to find out more about our services?
Frequently asked questions
Do you have some questions about Shared Lives? Take a look through our FAQs.
Can a Shared Lives carer help me find new activities to do?
Can my carer help me find employment/volunteer roles?
Yes, a Shared Lives carer can help you secure employment or find a voluntary role. Shared Lives carers can do this by utilising the continuous support given their Shared Lives Coordinator. Many of the people we support find employment part-time and full-time employment.
Our Services
At Ategi, we support each person as an individual, enabling them to develop their skills and confidence and increase their independence. Take a look at the services we offer.
