Location
Shared Lives is a scheme designed for adults who have a learning disability, autism, complex needs or need support and wish to live in a family home, similar to foster care but specifically for adults.
At Camphill Village Trust, we match individuals with trained Shared Lives carers who open their homes, hearts and family life to provide support.
With Camphill Village Trust Shared Lives, you can:
You and your carer would decide how you would like to spend your time together. Often, this could include:
0:01
In order to become a shared life carer, you don’t need any specific skills or experience.
0:07
All we look for is the right values, motivation and an open heart and mind to be able to support someone as part of your family in your home.
0:16
Shared life carers can provide three types of support.
0:20
Long term support which we call our living service.
0:23
This is where you support someone in your family on a long term basis, which could be anything from one year up to many, many years.
0:31
Short breaks or respite is where somebody can come and stay with you just for maybe one night at a time or for a week.
0:38
While family carers or main carers have a break from their caring role, shared lives carers can also provide day support.
0:46
This is where somebody would spend half a day or a whole day with a Shared Lives carer in their home or going out into the community being able to do things of interest together.
0:58
As a Shared Life’s Carer, you are paid according to the level of support that you provide.
1:03
Carers are paid a weekly fee with tax relief and other benefits.
1:07
Shared Life’s Carers are supported by one of our friendly team who provides supervision, training and guidance throughout.
1:15
The process involved a very comprehensive discussion about our experiences, our life, what we have gone through, our skill sets and as a family, what we can give to these people.
1:31
These are really comprehensive training.
1:34
They are life changing.
1:36
They change the way you think, they change the way you care.
1:40
It has just opened up my world so much to so many different things.
1:47
The goal was to make sure that we are the right people and the right family for these individuals.
1:54
The process was very involving.
1:56
It was very motivating in itself.
1:59
It directs you in the way you are supposed to be thinking and so it is a process of self growth.
2:07
There’s always someone to answer any questions at the end of the phone.
2:12
They communicate with us really well about a wide range of issues.
2:19
You always feel very much part of that team.
2:23
What attracted me to the Shared Life scarer was the fact that you could be contributing into somebody’s life and yet it contributes into your own life, which gives a personal satisfaction to yourself.
2:37
To find out more about the Shared Life Scheme, please call 01384441505 or e-mail Shared Lives at cvt.org.uk.
Our Shared Lives West Midlands scheme is for anyone over the age of 18 who:
Shared Lives offers an alternative to traditional care, providing adults with learning disabilities, autism, or other complex needs in the West Midlands region the opportunity to live in a supportive home environment.
Through Shared Lives, individuals gain independence, build meaningful relationships, and become active members of their community.
If you are based in the West Midlands, and feel you would benefit from our Shared Lives scheme, getting started is easy:
Do you have a caring nature and a desire to make a real difference in someone’s life? Camphill Village Trust’s Shared Lives scheme in the West Midlands is recruiting passionate and dedicated individuals to become Shared Lives carers.
As a Shared Lives carer, you’ll open your home and offer meaningful support to an adult who needs assistance to live independently. Whether it’s companionship, practical help, or emotional support, you’ll be part of creating a family-like environment where people can thrive.
Our carers come from all walks of life. Full training, ongoing support, and a generous allowance are provided to help you succeed in this rewarding role.
find out more apply now
Phone:Â 01384 441505
Email:Â sharedlives@cvt.org.uk
23rd June 2025
Building connections, creating purpose Shared Lives Week is a chance to celebrate an incredible scheme...
Read More27th May 2025
You might remember Katie’s inspiring journey last July, when she reflected on her college work...
Read MorePhone: 01384 441505
Email: sharedlives@cvt.org.uk
Address: Eagle House, St John’s Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 1HE
Celebrating the new partnership are Sam Price, Acting Team Manager at Camphill Village Trust; Dean Barnshaw, Regional Manager at Camphill Village Trust; Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services; Kate Morgan, Head of Service at Camphill Village Trust and Mark Williams, Commissioning Officer at the City of Wolverhampton Council.
Do you have what it takes to become a Shared Lives carer?
Shared Lives Carers are ordinary people from all different walks of life but they have one thing in common – they open up their homes to help others.
Become a Shared Lives carer
Contact us now to make a referral and find out how Shared Lives may support you.
Shared Lives is for everyone wanting to feel a sense of belonging, be valued, and be active in the local neighbourhood and wider community.
Contact us
