Shared Lives Week 2025: “The people we support aren’t ‘strangers’ – they’re part of the family”

Today marks the final day of Shared Lives Week 2025, and Blackburn with Darwen is proud to join the national celebration of the carers and people who make this unique model of support such a success.

Shared Lives is a form of adult social care where carefully matched carers open their homes to support adults with a range of needs – from learning disabilities and mental ill health to dementia or young people leaving care. Whether it’s day support, short breaks or full-time care, Shared Lives offers a more personal and flexible alternative to traditional care.

This year’s campaign theme, “They’re not strangers – they’re part of the family,” challenges misconceptions and highlights how strong, lasting relationships are at the heart of Shared Lives.

It continues the successful #WeAreSharedLive campaign, highlighting how Shared Lives carers and the people they support, form strong, lasting relationships made possible through a careful and person-centred matching approach.

Cllr Jackie Floyd, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

In Blackburn with Darwen, our carers don’t just provide support, they build genuine, lasting relationships based on love and trust. We are truly grateful for this.

Our teams take care and time to match people not just by their care needs, but by personality, interests and values. That’s what makes this model so special and how we create matches that truly work.

Every Shared Lives arrangement in Blackburn with Darwen is built on shared values and mutual choice. People are introduced gradually, spending time together before deciding to move forward – ensuring a strong foundation of trust, understanding and connection.

With 96% of Shared Lives schemes in England rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, it’s also one of the safest and most effective types of regulated care.

And it works:

• 90% of Shared Lives carers stay in their role year after year
• Shared Lives saves an average of £12,000 per person per year compared to residential care
• It offers greater independence and improved wellbeing for people who use the service

Shared Lives is also increasingly attracting people looking for meaningful work and a better work-life balance – offering flexibility, training, and the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Could you share your life?

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer in Blackburn with Darwen:

🌐 Visit: www.blackburn.gov.uk/sharedlives

📧 Email: Sharedlives@blackburn.gov.uk

📞 Call: 01254 585899