Date published: March 25, 2025
Partners in Care and Health – new guide launched on developing Shared Lives for people with a learning disability
Today, new good practice guidance has been published to enable more people with a learning disability to benefit from the person-centred support that Shared Lives provides. Commissioned by Partners in Care and Health (ADASS and LGA) and co-produced with representatives from across adult social care, Shared Lives Plus produced this guidance for social workers and commissioners, providing the tools to develop and grow Shared Lives in their areas.
Shared Lives is often called ‘social care’s best kept secret’ due to it being underutilised or, in some council areas, not available as an option. The new guidance will support councils to make the necessary changes to ensure Shared Lives is no longer ‘a secret’.
As a proven model of community based and relational care, Shared Lives offers exceptional support for people with a learning disability and is consistently highlighted by the CQC as the best quality social care service. The growth of Shared Lives is also supported by many senior social care professionals:
“I am a huge supporter of Shared Lives – it delivers excellent support to people and enables them to live good lives in a loving family home. As a social worker, I know however, that we have a huge role to play in supporting Shared Lives to flourish, and that we need to encourage more referrals into Shared Lives.”
Shared Lives could benefit many more people if councils are able to implement the required changes. The guidance outlines six strategic building blocks to grow a robust and successful Shared Lives service and includes a checklist for council leaders to work through to support Shared Lives to succeed.
We encourage council leaders and social care professionals to explore the guidance and checklist, and Shared Lives Plus can support you to grow your Shared Lives service. Contact us at consultancy@sharedlivesplus.org.uk or find out more about the guidance.
You can read the full guidance on the Partners in Care and Health website
