In its 2024-25 report, the charity said growth had continued In several nations and regions, led by Scotland where the number of people supported increased by 4%.

Ewan King, chief executive of Shared Lives Plus said: ‘This report shows clearly that Shared Lives is a model that works. Even under sustained pressure across adult social care, it has proven its ability to grow, adapt and deliver high-quality, relationship-based support in communities across the UK.

‘Four years of national data now give us strong evidence of a model that is stable under pressure, adaptable to local priorities and - crucially - has significant untapped potential to do more when it is backed by intentional commissioning and investment.'

Live-in support was offered to 58% of people but there was also growth in short breaks (27%) and day support (17%).

People with a learning disability continued to be the largest group supported but the charity also increased support for older people, people with sensory impairments and people needing preventative or transitional support.

The number of approved Shared Lives carers increased by 13%, rising from 9,226 in 2021–22 to 10,406 in 2024–25. More carers are also offering short breaks, increasing flexibility for families and unpaid carers.

The workforce supporting Shared Lives also grew, with staff numbers rising to 997 in 2024–25. Almost three-quarters (71%) of staff now work full time, supporting continuity and quality at a local level.

For the first time, the report provided a national picture of care leavers moving into Shared Lives. In 2024–25, 351 transitions were recorded, most involving young people moving from foster care into Shared Lives with an existing carer.