To start the process you'll need to complete a form. A Shared Lives Officer will contact you to guide you through and support the application process. We will discuss what it’s like being a Shared Lives carer and arrange a visit to you in your home or invite you to meet other Shared Lives carers.

When you’re ready, you’ll be asked to fill in an application. You’ll need to provide some professional and personal references, and an enhanced criminal record and safeguarding check will be carried out. It can take a few weeks to get everything back, so your Shared Lives Officer will keep you updated on how it’s going.

At this stage you’ll be asked about your experience, relationships, and care-giving skills. Shared Lives MK will also want to know about your living environment, family, lifestyle, and connections to your local community. This information goes into an assessment report. You will have a chance to read and comment on this report before it is shown to the approval panel.

You and a Shared Lives Officer will meet with the other carers and representatives at a panel meeting. You’ll find out if you’ve been approved shortly after.

Once you are approved, Shared Lives MK will send you profiles of people you might be interested in supporting. You’ll learn about their likes and dislikes, their support needs, and what they’re looking for in a carer. When you see someone who you think would be a good fit, let your Shared Lives Officer know and they can begin the matching process. It helps to be flexible because you’re more likely to find a good match.

As soon as you have been approved by the Shared Lives MK  Panel you can join Shared Lives Plus – the membership charity for people working in Shared Lives. At Shared Lives Plus you’ll find a network of carers, companions and supporters. Follow Shared Lives Plus on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.