"People are supported to lead fulfilling and independent lives as part of a family. They are assured that their safety and well being is continually monitored. The needs of the individual are comprehensively assessed and they are well matched to the person who will be providing their care. Providers are fully supported and trained by SWAPS to ensure they are competent to provide the care required. Robust recruitment procedures are in place to ensure the individual is protected from the risk of abuse"

(CQC - from the last inspection report, March 2009)

Shared Lives is an alternative and highly flexible form of accommodation and/or care and support provided by ordinary individuals or families in the local community.

SWAPS Shared Lives services really work because:

• They are delivered in the local community by the local community
• They are delivered by highly motivated and experienced people who have chosen to share their homes and lives because they can see what a huge difference they can make to someone's life
• They offer the greatest opportunity for people to exercise choice, make decisions, develop and maintain independence and fulfil ambitions and aspirations whilst enjoying comfortable, safe accommodation and receiving the support they need
  They are completely flexible so can meet chaning needs and preferences
• They are safe as our providers are very comprehensively checked and assessed, are trained and are regularly visited and monitored
  
• They are offered in small, personalised settings with providers who offer exceptional continuity of support with the added benefit of the economy of scale, back up and expertise of a large organisation and its skilled, specialist staff
  SWAPS provides a wide range of Shared Lives services

SWAPS provides services to adults (over the age of 18) with a learning disability, mental health needs, and physical disabilities and to older people and people with dementia.  SWAPS offers services across Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and Torbay. SWAPS providers offer a wide range of accommodation both rural and urban and enjoy a huge variety of lifestyles, interests and activities. The key to the success of a SWAPS service is the careful matching that SWAPS does.