Homeshare involves bringing together two people, often from two different generations. It addresses the pressing needs of two sets of people; it helps vulnerable, older or disabled people, the “Householder”, to stay connected to society, to stay feel safe and retain – and regain – a level of supported independence, to acquire a sense of value and purpose and to reduce loneliness and anxiety. Homeshare also helps the volunteers, “Sharers” (mature students, key workers, other professionals) with an affordable housing option.
For the Householder, homeshare offers low-cost, live-in practical help for just £5.00 per day which enables independence in their own home as well as some company, reassurance and a chance for a new friendship to grow.
For the Sharers, homeshare is so much more than an affordable home, again costing just £5.00 per day; it is about developing a connection with people, giving something back to society and improving their own psychological well-being.
Share and Care Homeshare is a Community Interest Company and the most experienced homeshare provider in the UK, having been matching and mentoring homeshares for over 16 years. Share and Care Homeshare offers its service nationally across London and the UK.
We are proud to have been invited, in September 2021, to outline the benefits and challenges of homeshare to the Cabinet Minister for Social Care and several senior policy advisors. Subsequently we have contributed to the White Paper, People at the Heart of Care , led by the Department of Health and Social Care; we continue to be consulted in on-going sessions and are passionate to ensure homeshare is recognised as a valuable way forward and as a solution for adult social care reform.
Why use Share and Care Homeshare?
- EXPERIENCED – Having matched many hundreds of homeshare arrangements since 2006, you
can have confidence in our expertise - VALUE – Our Sharers offer 15 hours of practical help and company per week
- TRUSTED – We are registered and approved members of Homeshare UK which is part of Shared Lives Plus and we are fully compliant with its Quality Assurance Framework
- SAFE – We have a robust with a trained Safeguarding Lead Safeguarding policy
- POSITIVE – By using Share and Care Homeshare you can be assured that you will experience a high quality and personal service
- COMMUNITY – We are a Community Interest Company. Alongside Homeshare we offer FREE on-line exercise classes and other local services
The Householder provides a bedroom in their home to their Sharer in exchange for some friendly company and practical help; they also benefit from the reassurance and security of someone living in their property.
The Householder may be an older person or, indeed, anyone with support needs; we support both individuals and Families.
The Sharer gives companionship and low level practical support in exchange for a bedroom in the property. Click for all current opportunities.
The Marmalade Diaries: The True Story of an Odd Couple
By Ben Aitken
Ben is a writer and has been one of our Sharers since October 2020. He’s written a hilarious book based on his home-share experience during the Covid lockdowns of 2020 The Marmalade Diaries: The True Story of an Odd Couple will be published in March 2022, can be pre-ordered now, and has been described by the novelist Jenny Colgan as ‘charming, warming, and very, very funny’.
Share and Care Homeshare’s director Caroline Cooke reviewed the book: “This is a truly laugh-out-loud read. Very loud, frequent laughter, much to my husband’s annoyance! Highlighting anecdotes from a year living in a homeshare arrangement during lock-down (no easy feat for anyone), The Marmalade Diaries is a well-observed and insightful account of two people living together and growing a genuine, caring friendship, despite coming from different generations. Ben’s writing is empathetic and his stories really resonated… many were very, very recognisable… especially from people I know who grew up during the war! I highly recommend this. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down! And I was in tears at the end. The wonderful warmth and humour between Ben and ‘W…’ is palpable; theirs is a genuine friendship that will last for life.” Definitely *****
UK-based author Ben Aitken, 34, writes about his experience house sharing with Winnie. Despite the widowed 84-year-old not taking to him at first, they formed an unlikely friendship.
As seen in Friday 4th March 2022
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If homeshare is not for you at this time, you may be interested in our sister company, Unity Living where a matched and vetted Helpful Housemate pays a lower-than-market rent and also offers a few hours of help each week.
