If you have a spare room in your home and time to support an adult with social care needs in Coventry and Warwickshire, we would love to hear from you. Full training, support and a generous allowance is included.
Coventry and Warwickshire Shared Lives Scheme
The Coventry and Warwickshire Shared Lives scheme is a collaborative initiative between Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council. This scheme offers adults with additional needs a flexible form of supported living.
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives centres on carers sharing their home, family, and community life with adults who need support. This arrangement not only allows individuals to become part of a family but also integrates them into the wider community.
Who can benefit?
Warwickshire County Council is looking to recruit new carers to provide opportunities for adults eligible for services. This includes individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, long-term conditions, and early onset dementia.
Support and training
Carers receive full training and support through the national Shared Lives Scheme. This scheme approves and monitors all Shared Lives carer arrangements, handles referrals, and matches the needs of individuals seeking support with suitable carers.
Benefits of Shared Lives
People living in Shared Lives arrangements often lead more fulfilling lives. Research shows that over 90% of participants make new friends, 50% go on holiday for the first time, and over a quarter join a club not exclusively for disabled people for the first time.
Here are some experiences from those in Shared Lives arrangements:
"I love being a part of this family. There are lots of visitors to the house and I love the ‘hustle and bustle’. I have become friends with lots of other residents who live in the street."
"I go out every day and some nights. I have my own room where I can watch some TV if I want to, and I have Sky, so I watch all the football that I want."
What could you get paid?
Being a Shared Lives carer is a paid role. Shared Lives Carers receive a weekly fee to support someone living with them. This fee includes contributions towards rent and household costs such as food, electricity, gas, and water.
The fees we pay depend on:
- What sort of service you offer (long-term or respite)
- How many people you support
- What sort of support needs each person has (standard or enhanced)
Payment Details
Standard Placement:
- Local Authority Care element: £291.05 per week
- Rent (Housing Benefit): £100.00 per week
- Food and Utility contribution: £73.36 per week
Total weekly payment: £464.41
Enhanced Placement:
- Local Authority Care element: £349.02 per week
- Rent (Housing Benefit): £100.00 per week
- Food and Utility contribution: £73.36 per week
Total weekly payment: £522.38
Respite Payments:
Standard Respite Week: £464.41
Enhanced Respite Week: £522.38
The Local Authority Care element can increase if Housing Benefit is lower, which will be identified and discussed at the time of the Housing Benefit award letter. More about this is explained when you go through our application process.
Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer in Warwickshire or Coventry, visit the Shared Lives Scheme website.