The Essex Shared Lives scheme supports people aged 18 and over who have care and support needs. It provides accommodation and support, or regular stays or visits, with an approved Shared Lives host. Helping people gain the skills and confidence they need to live independent lives.
The scheme matches the person needing care and support to a compatible host.
You can read more about the scheme in our Essex Shared Lives introduction guide (PDF, 696.49kB).
Apply to be an Essex Shared Lives host
To be a Shared Lives host you must:
- have a suitable spare bedroom
- be willing to support adults with care and support needs, such as learning disabilities and autism
- be comfortable using the internet, email and Microsoft Office
To begin your application, you must complete an Expression of Interest. A member of the Essex Shared Lives team will then be in touch within 7 days to discuss next steps.
Express your interest to be an Essex Shared Lives host
What happens next?
If your application is successful, you will be guided through:
- an initial meeting
- an assessment, where you will need to provide an enhanced DBS checks and references (We will fund enhanced DBS checks of successful applicants)
- training
- matching
Then you are ready to start being a Shared Lives host!
Contact us
If you have any questions that are not covered by the content on this page or in our Essex Shared Lives introduction guide (PDF, 696.49kB), contact us by:
- email: essex.sharedlives@essex.gov.uk
- phone: 0333 013 8071
We are available Monday to Thursday between 9am to 5pm, and on Fridays between 9am to 4:30pm.
The Essex Shared Lives scheme was last inspected on 10 June 2022 by CQC. The result of this inspection was a 'requires improvement' rating.