Become a Shared Lives carer

What is PSS Shared Lives?

PSS Shared Lives is like growing a chosen family.

Being a PSS Shared Lives carer a little bit like fostering, but with the very big difference that it’s for people over the age of 16 (or 18 in Wales) who want to live as independently as possible.

PSS Shared Lives carers give people the practical and emotional support they need to live life the way they want to. It's super flexible, and it can be used to support loads of different people.

With Shared Lives, someone who needs support comes to live with you, or you support them just for the day. If you're already a foster carer, you can also become a Shared Lives carer to continue supporting your foster child after they turn 16 (if they have personal care support needs) or 18.

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Who do Shared Lives carers support?

People who are aged 18 and just leaving children’s care
People who have been in hospital and need a hand getting back on their feet again
New mums who need a bit of support in the early days
People who have learning disabilities

People who have a mental health condition
People who have physical or sensory disabilities
People who are recovering from an addiction
Anyone else who needs or wants some support to live life to the fullest

Matching you up

Our PSS Shared Lives match-makers will pair you up with someone to support whose lifestyle, support needs and personality is a good match for yours.

Before we set anything in stone, you’ll have the chance to meet the person you’ve been matched with, and get to know each other. Depending on the type of support you’re offering, they may come and stay overnight at your house, just to see how it goes, or you might spend a day together as a bit of a trial, to see how you both feel. You’ll both have a choice.

It’s all about making sure the person you’re matched with feels comfortable, safe and happy, and you do too.

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We've gone from an empty nest to an active, lively household. The gift of seeing Chloe and Natasha grow up into happy adults keeps us going.

- Dave, Shared Lives carer, PSS Shared Lives Midlands

What do PSS Shared Lives carers support with?

Leaving foster care
Cooking
Mental health
Learning the ropes as a new parent
Finding a job
Cleaning
Going on holiday
Having a bath or shower
Taking medication
Going to appointments
Sorting out their finances

Catching up with friends and family
Getting into volunteering
Trying new hobbies
Doing some training
Learning life skills
Having a relationship
Using the internet and other tech
Meeting new friends
Being part of your community
Getting out and about
Doing exercise safely

A role that works round family life

Being a PSS Shared Lives carer means you can work around family life and even another job.

As a PSS Shared Lives carer, you'll be self-employed and choose the hours you want to work. We'll bear this in mind when we match you with someone who needs support.

Do I need experience?

You don't need caring experience to become a PSS Shared Lives carer. You just need to be big-hearted, open-minded, determined, professional and genuine, with a spare room in your house.

At PSS, we'll train you to become the best carer you can be, and give you lots of chances to develop yourself.

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