Shared Lives Carer

About Shared Lives in Hackney

Shared Lives carers support adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care and support in their day-to-day lives. Care is built around real relationships, matching people with carers who share similar interests, lifestyles, and personalities.

Under the scheme, approved Shared Lives carers open their homes, family lives, and local networks to adults and young people aged 16 and over who need care or support due to a disability, age, illness, or social isolation.

Whether someone moves in long-term, stays regularly for short breaks (respite), or spends time with a carer during the day, Shared Lives gives people the chance to live full, independent lives within a family setting.

Role Requirements
You do not need formal care qualifications to become a Shared Lives carer. What matters most are your personal qualities, skills, and commitment to supporting someone to reach their goals. Being a Shared Lives carer can be your full-time role, or something you do alongside existing work or caring responsibilities.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirement: You must be 21 years of age or older.
Residency Status: You must be a full-time UK resident or have leave to remain (please note that we cannot provide visa sponsorship).
Location: If offering long-term or respite support, you can live outside of Hackney.
Spare Room: At least one spare bedroom is required if you plan to offer long-term or respite support. A spare room is not required for day support.
Background & Vetting Checks: All carers must successfully complete an Enhanced DBS (police) check and provide references.
Digital Access: Much of the assessment and training process involves online learning and video calls, so reliable access to a digital device is required.Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As a Shared Lives carer, you will provide personalised support tailored to the individual’s agreed care plan. Typical responsibilities include:

Nurturing Life Skills: Sharing daily tasks like preparing nutritious home-cooked meals, keeping a welcoming living space, and managing everyday tasks together to build self-confidence.
Supporting Health & Wellbeing: Offering encouragement and structure to help individuals feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for in their everyday routine.
Empowering Independence: Encouraging new experiences, helping people pursue hobbies, build lifelong friendships, and take active part in the vibrant local community.
Providing a sence of belonging: Opening your home so individuals feel genuinely included and valued as part of an extended family circle.

What We Offer
Although Shared Lives carers are self-employed, you will receive full training, dedicated support, and a paid allowance.

Flexible Arrangement Types
You can choose the type of support option that best fits your lifestyle and home space:

Long-Term Placements: The individual moves into your home and lives as part of your household.
Respite / Short Breaks: Short-term overnight stays (e.g., weekends or planned breaks)
Day Support: Providing flexible support during the daytime or evening (not overnight) to help someone complete goals or engage in social activities.

Financial Allowance & Tax Benefits
Carers receive financial allowances to cover the support provided, typically earning between £500 and £900 per week depending on the level of care and support type. Tax concessions through Qualifying Care Relief also apply to self-employed carers.

Dedicated Ongoing Support
Named Shared Lives Coordinator: You will be paired with a dedicated officer who provides regular home visits, guidance, and ongoing monitoring.
Free Specialist Training: Comprehensive pre-approval training and ongoing professional development modules are provided.
Carer Community: Opportunities to attend local carer meet-ups, peer networks, and social events across Hackney.

How to Register Interest
Please complete the expression of interest form below and a member of the team will contact you to discuss Shared Lives in further detail.

Here

Important Note on Employment Status:
Please note that becoming a Shared Lives carer is not an employment position with the London Borough of Hackney. This is a self-employed opportunity that allows you to work from your own home and in your local community, managing your own time while making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD” values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk