Every year, Islington’s Shared Lives team works with people across the borough who want to open their homes and hearts to support others in their community.

Being a Shared Lives carer offers meaningful, flexible and rewarding work, and a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

“Over the last 12 months, we have trained and supported more than 10 people into jobs that help other adults in the borough,” says Chris Wilson, who oversees the Islington Shared Lives service.

“The job as a Shared Lives carer works around someone’s life, offering flexibility, on the job training, and support. For some people, being a Shared Lives carer is their full-time career.”

In Islington, we’re committed to helping people find good, fulfilling roles. Working with Shared Lives gives residents the flexibility, training, and confidence to build a career with purpose, while making a real difference to someone’s life.

We spoke to some carers who work with Shared Lives to find out why they became carers, how the job fits into their lives, and what they love about it.

Michael

Michael became a Shared Lives carer after stepping back from his successful cabinetmaking business.

“My mother was a foster carer for 40 years, so it’s just one of the things that I picked up,” says Michael.

“It slotted in perfectly with me. I enjoy seeing the happiness that comes out of it all.

“It is very rewarding – the appreciation you receive from the individual you’re caring for is priceless.”

Keisha

After discovering Shared Lives online, Keisha fits her caring roles around managing her online businesses.

“What’s good about it is, as well as matching with your timetable, the people at Shared Lives also find you a match with your family layout,” says Keisha, who has two teenage children herself.

“Your heart has to be in it, but if you’re a caring person, the rewards are huge.

“I just love doing it. Adrian and Patricia are part of the family and my children are so happy when they see them – and it should be like that. They should feel like they are going from a home to another home.”

Jessie

Jessie has been caring for young people and adults for more than 40 years. She became a Shared Lives carer just over a decade ago.

“Shared Lives made me have a new lease of life,” said Jessie.

“Shared Lives for me is about all the things that I like, all the things that they like, we share. I love it, I have such a good time, and I can’t think of anything better.”

Becoming a Shared Lives carer

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, visit www.islington.gov.uk/sharedlives

Or speak to the friendly team by emailing SharedLives@islington.gov.uk