How to become a Shared Lives carer

We need people in Croydon with one or more spare bedrooms to rent to vulnerable people and support them to live more fulfilled lives in our community. 

To apply, you'll need to complete the application form for the Shared Lives scheme.

How you can provide support

The Shared Lives scheme allows you to become a main carer or an additional carer to a vulnerable adult or family who is in need.

You can provide support for either:

• adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health needs – apply as a carer under the Shared Lives scheme
• homeless women who are pregnant or have a child under 3 – apply as a carer under the Croydon Lodgings for Families (CLFF) scheme

The needs of each individual is assessed by a care manager or care coordinator.

If you want to support a main carer, you can apply to be an additional carer to provide a consistent, quality service and care to the individual.

Types of care you can offer

You can apply to offer:

• short term care
• long term care
• respite care

Benefits of becoming a carer

There are many benefits of becoming a carer:

• it's positive and rewarding work
• makes a difference to a vulnerable person's life in Croydon
• it's flexible work to suit the person you're caring for and your commitments
• you'll be self-employed as a care professional, with flexible working and a regular income
• you'll also receive training and support from us

This is an established scheme with an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission. 

Get support from our social care team

Our social care team can help people decide if they should move into a Shared Lives home.

If you're having trouble living independently, get in touch with us for advice and support.