Become A Shared Lives Carer!

We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Become a Shared Lives Carer!

Do you want to make a real difference to somebody's life?

Could you share your time, your home, your family, your friends and your community with a vulnerable adult who needs support?

Wigan Council are currently looking for Shared Lives Carers for local people who need support due to age, disability or illness. Adults who need support are carefully matched with Shared Lives Carers with shared interests, or simply someone they get along well with.

What is a Shared Lives Carer?

There are different types of placements you can provide as carer that can work around your current commitments and offer a modest payment based on the level of support

you provide.

Full time placement

This is where a person will come to live with you on a long-term basis. You will provide them with a furnished bedroom to allow the person to have their own private space. You will be expected to encourage the individual to be part of the family and share everyday life experiences. All full-time placements are facilitated via a phased approach at a pace you are both comfortable with. This will consist of supported sessions, tea visits and overnight stays. Each full-time placement will be allocated up to 28 days respite per year.

Respite / short term break

This is where somebody will come to stay overnight or for a longer period. This could be a one off or could be a regular arrangement. This will be a phased approach placement at a pace that you are both comfortable with.

Emergency support

The support is provided at short notice due to a crisis personally or family related. All emergency placements are managed closely to ensure that both parties remain safe and well.

Day support

You can provide three types of day support. Up to 4 hours, 4-6 hours or 6 -8 hours. This time can be spent sharing joint interests or exploring new opportunities in the local and wider community.

Who can be a Shared Lives Carer?

A Shared Lives Carer must:

Be over the age of 18

Have a minimum of 4 hours per week to spare

Have a spare bedroom (for long term and short break / respite support)

Support someone to seek opportunities to develop their skills and aspirations in their own communities

Be caring and want to develop new relationships.

In return you will get:

Friendship

A modest payment for your time and expenses

Free training

Support from our Shared Lives team and much more

Build experience in caring

One of our Shared Lives Carers said:

“The lady I support for respite is lovely, positive and funny and has enriched my life over the past few years. I love being a carer, it is very rewarding. I am so pleased that I received a leaflet through my door”

Shared Lives supports people to develop meaningful friendships that enable them to live life to the full in their local communities.

It can help them achieve goals such as going to college, develop travel skills, visit places outside Wigan and go on holiday.

Carers are recruited from local communities, local people with big hearts who want to make a difference and put something back into their local area.

If you want to make a real difference to someone's life and are interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer, Click here to find out more.