Wakefield Council spotlights Shared Lives
Monday, June 23, 2025
Wakefield Council is shining a light on its dedicated Shared Lives carers and the people they support during Shared Lives Week 2025, 23 – 27 June.
The week celebrates the invaluable contributions of carers and aims to encourage more people to consider joining the initiative.
“We want to provide the best possible care for vulnerable adults in our district.
“Shared Lives is a wonderful scheme, which not only transforms the lives of our supported adults but also enriches the lives of our carers.
“It enables people to live within safe, loving households, where they receive individual care and support. Our amazing carers provide them with the environment, opportunities and encouragement to thrive. Helping them to develop their skills and build their confidence, whilst fostering independence and involvement in the local community.”
Cllr Michelle Collins
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health
As part of Shared Lives Week, the Council is holding an event for the district’s Shared Lives community. Carers, the adults they look after and the support team will come together at Hemsworth Community Centre on 26 June to connect, have fun and share their experiences of the impact that Shared Lives has had on them.
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 similar to fostering. Carers share their home and family with an adult who needs support, providing either long-term care, short breaks or day respite. It’s a unique job which offers home-working, flexibility, friendship and the rewards of making a difference to someone’s life.
Wakefield currently has 51 Shared Lives carer households, with 86 individual carers, and is looking for more people to welcome adults into their homes.
Carers can earn a steady income, with generous tax breaks, and can build their own schedule. No experience is necessary, as full training is provided, together with ongoing support from a dedicated team. And 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. It aims to raise awareness of the scheme, highlighting the benefits for all involved – carers, supported people and scheme workers. And also, to reassure potential Shared Lives carers of the success of the matching process.
To learn more, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/SharedLives or call 01977 722 254.