New carers wanted for life-changing Shared Lives scheme in Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen Council is calling on compassionate local people to consider becoming Shared Lives carers.

Shared Lives carers open their own homes to people, to be part of their family and offer a supportive, compassionate and caring environment for vulnerable people to thrive.

The Shared Lives scheme matches adults with support needs – including learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and physical health needs  – with carefully approved carers who can offer longer-term/live-in support, short breaks, or respite care in a home-from-home setting.

Becoming a Shared Lives carer is an opportunity to enhance your life and someone else’s by them becoming part of your family. Enjoy the flexibility of working from home and around your family commitments whilst making a positive difference in someone’s life.

While the service continues to provide a vital lifeline to families needing respite, the Council is now placing a strong focus on recruiting carers who can offer long-term, live-in placements. These placements give adults the opportunity to become part of a family, supporting greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

The scheme also supports families who may benefit from a break from their caring responsibilities, while giving the person they care for a safe, inclusive and enriching experience in a supportive home environment.

Families who have an adult living at home with a disability are also encouraged to get in touch with the service to find out about the help available. We know not everyone will be aware of the support on offer here in Blackburn with Darwen.

Councillor Jackie Floyd, Executive Member for Adult Services and Health, said:

Shared Lives is a wonderful, and often life-changing scheme – not just for the people who use it, but for the carers themselves.

By opening your home, you’re offering more than just care – you’re giving someone the chance to be part of a family, to enjoy new experiences, and to build lasting relationships.

We’re encouraging more local people to consider becoming a Shared Lives carer – full training, support and payment are provided, and the rewards go far beyond financial.

There are currently dozens of adults across the borough who regularly benefit from Shared Lives placements, but with demand growing, the Council is keen to recruit new carers from a range of backgrounds – particularly those able to provide long-term, stable homes.

Katherine White, Deputy Director of Adult Services, added:

For many families, Shared Lives offers a vital lifeline – a trusted and flexible way to access both long term and respite support that is centred around relationships and inclusion.

We know that caring for a loved one is incredibly rewarding but also that all families need support at different times. Shared Lives offers a high-quality and personalised response to individual needs. Our carers make an incredible difference, and we’re proud to champion this unique model of care.

Anyone over 18 can apply to become a Shared Lives carer – you don’t need formal qualifications, just a caring nature, space in your home, and the time to support someone who needs it. The Council provides ongoing training, professional support and a generous allowance for all carers.

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer – whether you’re interested in long-term placements, short breaks or respite support – visit: www.blackburn.gov.uk/sharedlives or contact the team directly at sharedlives@blackburn.gov.uk / 01254 585899.

You can also see more information on the Shared Lives Facebook page: Shared Lives BwD

You can also watch this short video to hear from carers to find out what it is like to be a Shared Lives carer: Become a Shared Lives carer | Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council