Date published: January 31, 2023
Support for our carer members
At Shared Lives Plus we are here to support our members, which is demonstrated by our campaigns advocating for our carer’s rights. This is something we are focused on more than ever given the economic climate. Membership with us also means you’ll have access to a number of benefits, some that you’ll use on a daily basis, and some that can be saved for a rainy day. This ranges from supermarket discounts to legal and financial advice. Here are just a few of the perks that come with membership.
Campaigns and advocacy
Now more than ever it is vital that we are a voice for our members. Our campaigns focus on responding to legal changes affecting our members in every part of the UK, as well as ensuring our carers have the resources to do their job and live a fulfilling life.
We are allies of the Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG), a new coalition led by Disability Rights UK and Inclusion London. The purpose of the group is to respond to increasing poverty in the Disabled community.
We are working on our Invaluable campaign, which is aimed at ensuring all Shared Lives carers are paid fairly, and that they are included in annual social care pay and fee reviews. We have raised the issue of the cost-of-living grant with the Department of Work and Pensions, and we will continue to highlight areas of policy which exclude Shared Lives carers.
We are working with government colleagues for changes to how universal credit is being rolled out, including the restriction of housing costs and income. We will continue to promote the rights of Shared Lives carers and the people they support.
Financial and legal advice
Members have access to free mortgage advice. We understand that many mortgage companies don’t understand that our carers are living with someone unrelated who isn’t considered a tenant. Our specialist mortgage advisors from Mortgage Brain are here to help guide you through the process with no obligation, whether you are a first time buyer, moving home or re-mortgaging.
We also offer guidance and tax advice about how to register as self-employed, qualifying for care relief, and how to do an online tax return. If you have a complex arrangement and you need a tax return done for you, we are partnered with BWM Chartered Accountants who understand your Shared Lives role who can help you out.
Our partners Towergate offer tailored household insurance which recognises the person who lives with you as a member of your family instead of a tenant, meaning you are covered for accidental damages.
As members you also have access to free NI and benefits help from BKPlus, who have advisors who are specialised in self-employed carer finances for over 11 years. You can talk to them about; Income Tax, National Insurance and Benefits.
As well as financial advice our membership also gives you the chance to easily seek legal advice through our ARAG helpline. This advice line can be used as much as you need.
Membership also gives you public liability insurance. This protects Shared Lives carers from claims of alleged negligence that may cause personal injury or property damage. It’s an essential part of your role, and even if your council say they provide it, please make sure it covers Shared Lives. We hope you never have to use, but if you do we have you covered.
Carer support team
Our carer support team is made up of specialist in-house advisors who are there to listen to you and offer practical advice on day-to-day problems you may encounter. They currently support and advise over 600 Shared Lives carers each year.
Best practice
We offer guidance on best practice on topics ranging from universal credit and benefits advice, to specialist advice on different support needs, such as dementia. This guidance can be accessed via the membership area on our website.
Wider Wallet
Membership provides access to Wider Wallet, which is packed with ways to save money on everyday purchases and treats, including online discounts, cashback, gift cards and more.
To register and get an access code for Wider Wallet, log in to your membership account and look for ‘discounts and freebies’.
Blue Light Card
Blue Light Card is the discount service for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces, providing our members with thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street.
If you would like to speak to the membership or carer support team, please contact us on membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk
This post was updated on 30/1/24 to better reflect use of language around carer fees.
