Become a Shared Lives Carer in Dorset

Being a Shared Lives Carer means supporting people in your own home and helping them live ordinary, fulfilling lives as part of their community.

People supported through Shared Lives may include anyone aged 16 or over with a learning disability, autism or other support needs.

Shared Lives Carers:

receive payment for the care they provide
are self‑employed and work from home
may qualify for tax relief on their earnings
receive training, regular breaks and access to a UK‑wide support network

Shared Lives can be a good choice for many people. Our carers come from a range of backgrounds, and so do the people they support.

No two days are the same. Life as a Shared Lives Carer can be fulfilling, flexible and challenging, and gives you the chance to make a real difference to someone’s life.

Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer

Use our online form to register your interest in becoming a Shared Lives Carer.

Start now

You can contact us if you have further questions.

What you can expect

Experience and training

We provide full training and ongoing support. You do not need formal qualifications to become a Shared Lives Carer. Experience can be helpful, but it is not essential. What matters most is that you are a caring person.

All carers have a named Shared Lives Officer who supports them every step of the way.

You will:

get regular visits during the application process
have access to all our training resources
have monitoring visits every 3 months and an annual review once approved

Your officer is available between visits if you have questions or concerns.

We understand that carers have other commitments and take a flexible approach to fit around them.

Working alongside other commitments

Many Shared Lives Carers have other work alongside their Shared Lives role, including full‑time employment.

Choosing who you support

Shared Lives works best when everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Carers can decide if a match is not right for them. If a placement is not working, carers can give notice to end the arrangement.

Time off and breaks

Shared Lives Carers who provide long‑term placements get 4 weeks of Paid Carer Break each year.

Carers providing respite and short‑term placements can choose not to accept placements. This allows for longer periods of time off.

What our carers say about being part of Shared Lives

“I think Shared Lives is excellent for providing a stepping stone for those perhaps not ready for independence yet or needing that extra support”

“We have had great service with all our service users. Fantastic communication and support for all involved. Thank you all for walking alongside us and encouraging our skills.”

“Shared Lives is an excellent scheme which enables vulnerable people to live as part of a family, to do things they like and enjoy with others”