Derby City Council is inviting local people to consider becoming a Shared Lives carer and make a real difference to the life of an adult who needs support.

What if sharing your home, your time and your everyday life could help someone feel more independent, included and connected to their community? Shared Lives carers open their homes, family life and community life to an adult who has support needs. This could be someone with a learning disability, dementia or mental ill-health.

It is not about providing care in a traditional setting. It is about sharing everyday life, building a relationship and supporting someone to do the things they enjoy and want to achieve.

There are currently 33 Shared Lives carers supporting 58 adults across Derby, but demand for the service continues to grow. Seven new carers have joined Shared Lives in the past 12 months, while 83 people have been supported through the scheme over the last year. Eight people are currently waiting for a Shared Lives placement, and we are looking for as many new carers as possible to help.

Shared Lives carers can choose the type of support they provide, whether that is spending time with someone during the day, offering short breaks or welcoming someone into their home on a long-term basis.

The Shared Lives team work with you to understand your circumstances and help you decide what type of support is right for you. You don't need to have been a professional carer to become a Shared Lives carer. Anyone can apply; what matters is having the time, commitment and willingness to make someone feel welcome and supported.

One Shared Lives carer said:

Working with Shared Lives at Derby City Council has been one of the most rewarding and genuinely uplifting experiences of my career. What makes it so special is the combination of meaningful relationships, real human connection, and the chance to make a positive difference every single day.

What stands out most is how valued and supported I feel. Shared Lives isn’t just a service; it’s a community built on trust, respect, and genuine care. I’ve had so many positive experiences, from seeing people grow in confidence to celebrating small wins that mean the world to them. Those moments stay with you.

Shared Lives has given me the opportunity to do work that matters, in a role that is flexible, varied, and deeply fulfilling. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

Shared Lives gives you an opportunity to open your home and your life to someone who could benefit from a little extra support, companionship and connection in Derby. You don’t need to be a professional carer, what matters most is having the time, compassion and commitment to help someone live life to the fullest.

By becoming a Shared Lives carer, you could make a lasting difference to someone’s life.”

Before becoming a carer, you'll meet with a member of the Shared Lives team who will explain how the scheme works and answer your questions. You'll receive full training and support, with references and criminal record checks completed as part of the application process.

You will also have the opportunity to meet the person you could support before an arrangement begins, helping to make sure you are a good match for each other.

If you've ever thought about doing something that could genuinely change someone's life, Shared Lives could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, email sharedlives@derby.gov.uk, call 01332 640777 or visit our webpage for more information.