Together4Bristol : Could You Open Your Home to Someone Who Needs a Little Support With Everyday Living?

Could You Open Your Home to Someone Who Needs a Little Support With Everyday Living?

Carly’s weekday routine looks like any busy Bristol household, breakfast on, plans made, a trip to the shops - except once a week, she is joined by Mike, who she supports through Shared Lives. She says “Mike is like part of the extended family. We can do what we want, change our support time around, so that it meets both of our needs.”

Carly offers day support to Mike. He visits her at her home, and they do activities like baking, going for walks, or even things like trips out to the circus with Carly’s family. It is ordinary life, done with intention and care, and it’s the essence of Shared Lives.

Shared Lives are always on the lookout for people active in their community who want a practical way to give back. Shared Lives supports adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or other support needs. Arrangements range from a weekly outing that builds confidence to overnight short breaks to longer‑term care. However, all Shared Lives arrangements help people to build connections, explore new interests, and receive the emotional, social, and cultural support that they need.

Shared Lives can turn ordinary days into extraordinary progress. In Bristol, a careful match could see your home become the place someone learns to cook, budget, travel independently and belong.

For you, it could be the most flexible, fulfilling work you’ve ever done, right where you live.

No specific qualifications are required. Shared Lives provides free preparation and refresher training, plus a named Shared Lives Officer for guidance, matching and problem‑solving.

If you think you could change lives, then get in touch via: https://bit.ly/shared-lives-care

_Posted:_{October 2025}