shared lives for
educational trusts and
intentional communities

shared lives for educational trusts and intentional communities

Educational trusts and Intentional communities have long been concerned that people living in family homes regulated as ‘care homes’ have their living experience distorted by regulation.

But there is another way which is both practical and strategic, focussing on the gifts and strengths of people and communities.

Shared Lives is an established and highly successful model

Transforming regulated care home accommodation into Shared Lives arrangements means that people can live in a normal domestic home without the bureaucracy that comes with care home regulation. Regulating the Scheme means that unnecessary red tape is swept aside, enabling normal living to flourish.

And because people can access benefits denied to people living in regulated care homes they have greater financial independence. What’s more the net cost of their service is reduced by as much as £6,500 per person per year.

Shared Lives fits better with the philosophy of organisations that care about people and community and is cost effective for the funder.

how we work

inform the decision makers

Many people have not heard about Shared Lives and so our first step is to talk to senior staff in your organisation. We explain about Shared Lives and the way it can benefit the organisation, the people you support and your funders.

engage with staff

We then engage with middle managers to help them understand the way in which Shared Lives works. We can draw upon our extensive experience and knowledge to provide examples and case studies of the many people who already enjoy Shared Lives.
Once the model is understood and people have seen the scheme in practice, it is time to talk to the staff and workers who offer direct support to the people who use the service.

explain the process

We explain to the people who will be directly involved in Shared Lives about the way a good Shared Lives scheme works. We give detailed information about the regulations governing Shared Lives and scheme systems and processes as well as their role in the new service.
We provide training where necessary to make the transition as easy and smooth as possible

support throughout

We help you to set up the panel for carer approval and provide information and training for panel members. Once the scheme is set up we provide ongoing support for as long as you need it.

For more information contact us on 01423 790126.

related links
> shared lives
> shared lives for local authorites
> developing your shared lives scheme