Shared Lives is a unique form of social care where adults and young people assessed as needing support are carefully matched with trained carers who welcome them into their own homes and families.
The service supports a wide range of people aged 16 and over, including older residents, people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical or sensory impairments, and care leavers.
The new contract, valued at approximately £4.8 million over 4 years from July 2026, will be awarded following an open and transparent procurement process, which will ensure best value for money while maintaining the high quality of care that Shared Lives is known for.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Shared Lives has been running in Wolverhampton since 2014 and has had an incredible impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens, offering greater choice around the support they receive and providing a real alternative to more traditional forms of care such as residential and day care.
“But it’s about more than just care – it’s about belonging, relationships, and giving people the chance to live ordinary, fulfilling lives in a family setting.
“We want Shared Lives to be the best that it can be and, following a consultation process carried out earlier this year, we will be going out to tender for a new contract which is due to begin next year.
“By committing to this, we will be able to ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents continue to receive the highest quality support in a way that is compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in our communities.
“This also supports the council’s Our City: Our Plan priorities, including building a resilient health and social care system, protecting vulnerable people, and helping our residents live happier, healthier, and more independent lives.”
Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and is recognised nationally as a cost effective, safe, and person centred model of care. It enables people to access community facilities, build independence, and in many cases, become a permanent part of a Shared Lives family.
