Professional development sessions
Shared Lives Plus provides specialist training for our members on topics that are relevant to Shared Lives carers and scheme workers.
Information about these workshops and webinars is sent to members via email.
You can also find it in the Grow Your Know How section in the members area.
If you are a member, and don’t get our regular email bulletins, get in touch with our membership team via membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk or 0151 227 3499
Previous workshops
‘What works’ Keeping people safe in Shared Lives, with Becks and Cathy
This practical member session focused on safeguarding in Shared Lives. It was designed to help both Shared Lives carers and schemes recognise, prevent and respond to concerns that can arise in everyday practice.
Participants explored a range of situations that can impact the safety and wellbeing of the people they support, including:
- Medication errors
- Professional boundaries
- Communication issues
- Confidentiality breaches
Carers gained confidence in identifying risks early and understanding what actions to take if concerns arise, while schemes learned how to strengthen support for carers, reduce organisational risk and promote high-quality, safe services.
Led by the Shared Lives Plus membership team, the session provided valuable guidance, practical examples and opportunities for discussion. Shared Lives carers left with greater knowledge, confidence and tools to help protect vulnerable people and maintain professional standards across Shared Lives services.
“I particularly enjoyed the case studies, it all gave me food for thought and was very informative.”
“This training certainly keeps you on the ball… it protects not only the people you support but also draws awareness to one’s self.”
Supporting young people with additional needs through transition
Mary from our Care Leavers Programme was joined by ambassadors with lived experience to explore how we can better support young people with additional through transition from foster care.
Drawing on the voices and experiences of young people who have navigated this journey themselves, the session offered valuable insight into the realities of transition, the challenges that can arise, and the support that can make a meaningful difference.
Designed for Shared Lives schemes and Shared Lives carers working with care-experienced young people, the webinar helped build knowledge, confidence and practical understanding to support positive transitions and improve outcomes.
Topics covered included:
- Understanding the experiences of care-experienced young people with additional needs
- Common challenges during transition from foster care
- The role of Shared Lives in providing stability and support
- Practical approaches to improving transition experiences
- Learning directly from young people with lived experience
This webinar is one example of the exclusive training, resources and professional development opportunities available to Shared Lives Plus members.
“Hearing directly from Gracie, Vicky and Katie was absolutely the best part of the whole session. There is no better way to learn than from people who have lived through the experience themselves – their honesty, their personal stories and their practical advice was so valuable and eye-opening.”
“It gave me a real, clear understanding of what young people go through during transition, and has already given me lots of great ideas to use in my own work to support the young people I care for.”
“It was nice to hear the young people's experiences. I was a foster carer for 23 years and have now moved to shared lives as the young person in my care was living with my family for 11 as a foster placement.”
For more information about our professional growth sessions, or any other membership benefit, email membership@sharedlivesplus.org.uk
