Better, Now.

Better, Now. challenges commissioners and directors of adult social care to rethink outdated, costly systems and embrace community-driven, person-centred care models. We believe high-quality, cost-effective care that improves lives is possible now.

Our approach advocates for smaller, community-based care models, that build meaningful relationships, foster independence, and make efficient use of local resources. With our strength-based solutions, care remains personal, rooted in communities, and centred on improving real lives.

Our message is clear: the time to invest in strength-based, local care is now.

Read about our new vision for social care in The Municipal Journal.

1. Use proven innovative approaches
   We can support you to make small changes that are proven to work, creating better lives for people and changing the social care landscape for the better.

2. Measure what matters: Quality of life and wellbeing
   Our success is measured by the positive impacts on people’s lives, communities, and a return on investment.

3. Act early to prevent crises
   Our methods connect people to resources and relationships that matter, building local support systems that reduce the need for costly, intrusive interventions.

If you’re interested in exploring these innovative, person-centred approaches to social care, please email betternow@sharedlivesplus.org.uk

Shared Lives Plus represents Shared Lives carers, schemes and Homeshare organisations, working towards a kinder, stronger society. We help build communities where everyone lives a full life, regardless of the support they need. We support local organisations to establish new Shared Lives and Homeshare organisations and improve existing ones.

Featured resources:

• State of the Nation Report 2023 – 2024 – Key trends and insights in Shared Lives.
• SASCI case study – Showcasing Shared Lives as a leading innovation.
• Care Leavers Project – Support local authorities and local partners to develop Shared Lives for care experienced young people.
• Outcomes and quality: Better outcomes for less – cost benefit briefing on the value of Shared Lives.

Learn more at www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk.

NDTi is an independent, not for profit organisation who have worked alongside people, communities, policy makers, support organisations and services for over 30 years. Our programmes cover all life stages and include research, evaluation, coproduction and organisational change. Better is possible now and programmes already transforming local areas include:

• Community Led Support – Changing how adult social care is delivered:
  • Blog: Strengths based change – 10 things for success
  • Research about community led support
  • Video: The difference community led support is making after 10 years in action.
• Small Supports – Enabling people to live at home rather than as inpatients:
  • Blog: Beyond limits: A blueprint for Small Supports organisations
  • Video: Homes not hospitals
  • Living library of Small Supports stories
• Next Generation Leadership Programme: For people working in or commissioning learning disability and autism services, independent advocacy and older people’s services. Free information session 3 December.
• Change for Inclusion: A new programme to help local areas refocus their SEND system.
• Learning Together: Inclusive research and evaluation training.

Discover more at ndti.org.uk. 

Community Catalysts is a social enterprise that works in partnership across the UK to make sure people are part of strong, inclusive communities with opportunities to connect, create and contribute. Our work supports people to live their lives in ways they choose.

Key programmes:

• Community Micro-Enterprise Development Programme: Changes the shape of care and support across the UK by helping people set up small micro-enterprises that offer diverse and creative care options to people in local communities.
• Local Area Coordination: Helps people to find the right support for them, building on what’s strong in their lives and communities. It has prevented people falling into crisis.
• Innovators Learn: A range of approaches that help people see the possibilities, to reimagine how they deliver services and do them even better!

Visit Community Catalysts | unlocking potential | effecting change to learn more.