Wakefield Council celebrates Shared Lives Week 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Wakefield Council is celebrating Shared Lives Week 2026 which takes place 15 - 21 June. The week commends the valuable contributions of Shared Lives carers and aims to encourage more people to consider joining the scheme.
“Providing the best possible care for people in our district is so important.
"Shared Lives is a great scheme; it’s a rewarding role for Carers which makes a real difference in the lives of the adults they support.
“It allows adults with extra support needs to have a short stay or live full time in a caring, supportive and safe household. Shared Lives Carers throughout our district are an invaluable asset to our community. They help the people they support to develop their skills, become more independent and build confidence.”
Cllr Ansar Hyatt
Cabinet Member for Adults & Health
During the week, Raph, a Shared Lives Carer in Wakefield, and Billy, the adult he supports, have been raising awareness of the scheme by featuring on Rhubarb Radio. Raph used to support Billy for periods of respite, but Billy has since moved in with Raph full time. They have been speaking about what Shared Lives means to them, the activities they enjoy doing together and what has changed since Billy moved in with Raph full time.
Shared Lives is a care and support service for people aged 17 and over, including individuals living with a learning disability or physical impairment, or a young person in transition from foster care.
It’s like fostering, but for adults. Carers open their home and share their family with an adult who needs support. Care can be provided long-term, for short breaks or day respite. It’s a unique job which offers home-working, flexibility, friendship and makes a difference in someone’s life.
Wakefield currently has 52 Shared Lives Carer households, with 85 individual carers, and is encouraging more people to welcome adults into their homes.
Carers can earn a steady income, with generous tax breaks, and work around their own schedule. Full training is provided with ongoing support from our dedicated team. All carers and supported adults are closely matched according to their personalities and interests.
Shared Lives Week is a national campaign led by Shared Lives Plus to showcase and celebrate the Shared Lives community. The theme of the week this year is, ‘Care worth talking about,’ encouraging people to share their experience with Shared Lives to raise awareness of the scheme.
To learn more, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/SharedLives or call 01977 722 254.
To listen to the podcast with Raph and Billy, click here.