Live More programme update – July 2026

The first phase of the Live More pilot in Greater Manchester is now drawing to a close, with the independent evaluation due to be published soon. The early findings are very encouraging and are already helping to build interest in Live More across the country.

As part of this growing interest, we welcomed Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults in England and co-chair of the UK Government’s Modern Service Framework for Dementia (England), to Bury in June. The visit gave Sarah the opportunity to meet people involved in Live More and see first-hand the difference the programme is making.

After the visit, Sarah shared her reflections on LinkedIn:

“An optimistic experience recently visiting Bury in Greater Manchester…to learn about the value and positive impact of Live More, Shared Lives support for people and families living with dementia.

The Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework is doing good work to create ambitious standards for health and care services to support people living with frailty and dementia, alongside their unpaid carers. However, we know that international evidence points to the need for a whole society approach to addressing the challenges that face an ageing society to create the right conditions and ecosystem to enable people to live well.

This programme commissioned by local authorities across Greater Manchester shows how a little bit of help to connect people, with reciprocal relationships at its heart, makes such a difference to people’s experiences and wellbeing. Live More brings joy to people living with dementia, their families, friends and neighbours, through human connection and shared passions.”

The momentum has continued with our latest Live More Community of Practice, where representatives from more than 20 Shared Lives schemes came together to explore how the model can be expanded across the UK. Liverpool, Brent and Harrow are next in line to launch the programme, and Suzi Clark, our Head of Strategic Advice, recently met with colleagues in West Wales and Powys to discuss further opportunities to build on the work of Shared Lives schemes with older people across Wales.

Look out for the full Live More evaluation, which will be published soon. Over the coming weeks, we’ll also be sharing more stories from people taking part in Live More and the difference the programme is making across Greater Manchester.

For more information, or to get involved, please contact our strategic advice team, at consultancy@sharedlivesplus.org.uk or visit: Live More: growing Shared Lives for people living with dementia and their families.