Date published: November 7, 2025
Care that lives next door – Shared Lives in Care Talk Magazine
Shared Lives is featured in the November issue of Care Talk Magazine, where our Chief Executive, Ewan King, reflects on the importance of connection, community and care – delivered close to home.
His article, Care that lives next door, appears on pages 8–9.
“Belonging sits at the heart of Shared Lives.”
Ewan sets out the case for relationship-based support at a time when many people feel disconnected and when pressures on families, communities and services continue to rise.
Shared Lives offers a practical, familiar and community-rooted option — one that helps people remain part of the places they know.
Across the UK, 10,400 Shared Lives carers support almost 10,000 adults, providing consistent, trusted support that is well recognised by inspectors for quality and safety.
Val’s story: everyday support that makes a difference
The article highlights the experiences of people like Val , who is supported by Shared Lives in Moray.
Following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Val and her husband Tony were finding everyday life increasingly difficult to manage alone. Being matched with Ann, and later Lisa, offered reliable support and companionship — weekly outings, craft sessions and involvement in the local B.A.L.L. (Be Active, Live Longer) group.
For Val, this meant maintaining her independence and confidence. For Tony, it provided much-needed respite and reassurance.
“Shared Lives gives me something to look forward to.”
Shared Lives in action across the UK
Ewan also highlights wider examples of Shared Lives in practice, including work in mental health, dementia and transitions from hospital.
Mental health crisis support in South East Wales
A partnership recognised by the World Health Organization, offering short-term Shared Lives support as an alternative to hospital admission for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Transitions from psychiatric hospitals in Surrey
Surrey Choices works closely with local mental health teams to help people move from psychiatric hospital settings into Shared Lives arrangements, supporting smoother transitions and reducing anxiety.
Early dementia support in Greater Manchester
The Live More pilot is looking at how Shared Lives can support people in the early stages of dementia, focusing on maintaining independence, connection and confidence in familiar surroundings.
Taken together these examples highlight how Shared Lives can provide stability and familiarity – supporting people to maintain independence and stay connected to everyday life.
Further Reading:
If you’d like to talk about developing Shared Lives in your area, our team would be happy to help. Call us on 0151 227 3499 or email consultancy@sharedlivesplus.org.uk.
