Growing Shared Lives through local innovation

In Birmingham and Solihull, Shared Lives Plus helped the scheme recruit new carers, increase awareness among social workers, and explore better digital systems. Since June 2024, the scheme has recruited 23 new Shared Lives carers and monthly support continues to embed a strategic carer recruitment plan.

“The support we have had from Shared Lives Plus has been second to none. It has enabled us to work at pace and to implement good practice from other areas which SLP have gleaned for us from their extensive network.”
Caroline Naven, Head of Transformation, Birmingham City Council

Read the full Birmingham and Solihull spotlight: Strategic Spotlight – Birmingham & Solihull – Shared Lives Plus

In Portsmouth, the focus is on adapting Shared Lives to support care experienced young people moving on from children’s services. Shared Lives Plus has helped connect Children’s Services with Shared Lives, building relationships and identifying opportunities to expand the model.

“The ARF has opened up opportunities to develop new ways to grow Shared Lives and expand the model for key groups including Care Leavers.”
Rachel Leslie, Strategic Advisor, Shared Lives Plus

“We are already seeing an increase in teams contacting us to ask for advice.”
Kerry Moore, Registered Manager, Portsmouth Shared Lives

Read the full Portsmouth spotlight: Strategic Spotlight – Portsmouth – Shared Lives Plus

In Herefordshire, Shared Lives Plus worked with the council in 2023 to strengthen and expand the local scheme as part of its adult social care transformation. The team supported the development of a growth strategy, produced a costed business case, and co-designed an implementation plan to increase awareness and uptake of Shared Lives.

“Shared Lives Plus coming in was timely and gave a kick start to transformation, showing the art of the possible.”
Hilary Hall, Director of Community Wellbeing, Herefordshire Council

“We are now much more visible with strategic colleagues… Shared Lives is part of the transformation agenda.”
Ginnie Jaques, Shared Lives Scheme Manager

Read the full Herefordshire spotlight: Strategic Spotlight: Herefordshire – Shared Lives Plus

These projects show how targeted consultancy support can help local areas grow Shared Lives quickly and sustainably. Shared Lives Plus continues to support councils and Integrated Care Systems (ICS) areas across the UK to build stronger, more inclusive Shared Lives offers.

To discuss how we can support your area, email: consultancy@sharedlivesplus.org.uk and find out how you can establish, grow and diversify Shared Lives locally.