Date published: July 21, 2026
New strategic spotlight: Shared Lives carer recruitment success across North East London
A Shared Lives project across North East London has delivered strong results for Shared Lives carer recruitment and future service growth through funding from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF), alongside consultancy support provided by Shared Lives Plus.
Shared Lives has been at the forefront of adult social care priorities through the ARF programme, with more than half (27 out of 42) of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) across England choosing to prioritise the growth of Shared Lives services using the funding. Shared Lives Plus has worked with 14 ICS areas to support ARF-funded projects.
Delivered in partnership with Care City, the project brought together seven local authorities across the region to strengthen Shared Lives schemes and improve carer recruitment activity.
Tailored local campaigns led to significant increases in enquiries from potential Shared Lives carers, including:
- 83 enquiries in Tower Hamlets, with 18 applicants progressing to next stage in process
- 42 enquiries for Bettertogether Shared Lives, with four carers approved and ready to be matched
- 21 enquiries in Waltham Forest, with several applicants already moving towards the assessment process
The project also developed strategic recommendations for growing Shared Lives across North East London, supported by data analysis, stakeholder engagement and best-practice research from Shared Lives Plus.
“Working with Shared Lives Plus, particularly Carly, was extremely valuable and impactful throughout the project. Carly provided consistent support, guidance, and encouragement, helping us explore ideas and identify key areas to focus on. Together, we reviewed what had worked well, what was currently working, and areas where improvements could be made to achieve better outcomes. This reflective and supportive approach was incredibly useful and played an important role in the overall success of the project.”
Read the full strategic spotlight.
To find out more about how Shared Lives Plus supports local areas through the ARF and our consultancy offer, visit our consultancy support page.
Ready to discuss how we can help you establish, grow, or diversify Shared Lives? Email us at consultancy@sharedlivesplus.org.uk
