Becoming a Shared Lives Carer

A Shared Lives carer opens their home and life to share it with someone who would benefit from support to get the most out of life.

The level of support provided by a Shared Lives carer can vary from providing a sense of belonging, including emotional or physical support, to help with day-to-day living.

It’s an amazing self-employed opportunity as it can be done from the comfort of your own home and is flexible around your lifestyle – how much time you offer is up to you.

We carefully match people based on personalities and interests with the hope you’ll enjoy each other’s company as you share everyday life in your home and out in the community.

Who can be a Shared Lives carer?

Our Shared Lives Carers come from all walks of life and have different circumstances and backgrounds, just like the people who need placements.

Specific qualifications are not necessary – your values and outlook are more important. All carers bring their own unique skills and experiences to the job and they all share a desire to help people – and have room at home to do it.

You can be:

• Living on your own, with a partner or other family members
• From any ethnic, cultural, or religious background
• Living with a disability
• Employed or unemployed
• A homeowner or living in rented accommodation

Suitability to be a Shared Lives Carer will also be subject to references and checks that are carried out as part of the assessment process.

Is training and support provided?

Our team will make sure that you’re fully prepared and supported to become Shared Lives Carer, and ready to meet the needs of different adults.

You will receive a full induction programme and training before being matched with someone who has chosen the Shared Lives Service to support them.

The Moray Shared Lives team will continue to be there to support and advise you. We will visit regularly to check the placement is going well and offer any guidance you need. There will also be opportunities to meet up with other Shared Lives carers.

Through the Moray service you will automatically become a member of the national Shared Lives Plus organisation and benefit from independent advice, legal support and public liability insurance.

Take the next step

To become a Shared Lives carer, you will work through an application and assessment process.

Don’t let this put you off - our friendly team are here to support you every step of the way.

Find out more about the steps here

For more general information prior to applying, please contact the Shared Lives Team at sharedlives@moray.gov.uk or call 01343 563450.

General Shared Lives information can also be found at Start your shared life - Shared Lives Plus.

To apply please go to the Shared Lives Plus recruitment portal via Create an Account – Shared Lives Plus

You can also contact us by mail at: