The Shared Lives Scheme is an adult placement service which bridges the gap between supported living accommodation and living within a family environment.

This service is for anyone with a GP registered in the Bath and North East Somerset area who has a Learning Disability or who has been diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum Condition and is aged 18 and over. You must be entitled to a Personal Budget to pay for your support, or classed as a Self-Funder to pay directly for this.

We support you to develop your independence, to join in activities which will help you meet new people and to make new friends and become more involved in the community.

We link you with Shared Lives Carers who have many skills and interests. You will meet your Carer, and get to know them first to ensure you are matched to someone who you feel you will get along with. Shared Lives Carers are ordinary people living in (or near to) Bath and North East Somerset and are supported by the Shared Lives Scheme. They have the training and are fully assessed, including checks and references, before they become Carers. We are registered with CQC to provide personal care.

We can offer:

• Full-Time Placements: Where you choose to live with a Shared Lives Carer in their home. This can be for a few months, or for longer.

• Overnight Respite: Regular short breaks away from your family home in the local community.

• Daytime Support: Support in the Carers home, and within the local community.

How do I access this service?

Referrals are accepted from:

Your Social Worker/Support Service Coordinator in the Social Care Team

Yourself (if you are a Self-Funder)

Once you have been referred to the service, a member of the team will contact you and your Social Worker/ Support Service Coordinator to arrange an appointment to identify your needs and the service we can offer.

What does this service cost?

You must be entitled to a Personal Budget to pay for your support, or be classed as a Self-Funder to pay directly for this.

Rainbow Resource

You can access information on what services children, young people and their families can expect from a range of local agencies – including education, health and social care providers and voluntary organisations using the Bath and North East Somerset Local Offer website – the Rainbow Resource.