Share and Care Homeshare was established in 2006 to address a growing need for affordable companionship and practical help. Share and Care is the leading provider of homeshare across the UK and offers help to older people, families and adults with disabilities, across London and throughout mainland UK.
We are a Community Interest Company [CIC] with a commitment to deliver our service for the benefit of the community. There are two Homeshare Associations one is Homeshare UK the other the Homeshare Association which we are members of. We are compliant with the Homeshare Associations Principle Standards and Safeguarding Framework; by using Share and Care Homeshare you can be assured that you will experience a high quality, and yet personal, service.
While there are many options for people needing personal care, few help to alleviate loneliness and give the on-going companionship that sharing a home can give. Homeshare is an affordable solution offering practical help and support which can typically be very expensive if sought through separate channels.
Share and Care is committed to offering an affordable, personal and professional service. Our Sharers are matched as closely as possible with our Householders to ensure that a friendship and mutual respect can develop, while also ensuring that safeguards exist. We are proud that our clients reward us by recommending us and, whilst we are keen to grow and promote the concept of homeshare across the UK, we are also committed to ensuring we maintain our high standards of giving personal attention and support to all our clients.
Caroline Cooke – Founder, Director and Dementia Friends Ambassador
Prior to founding Share and Care Homeshare, Caroline established and ran a nanny agency; “Years of recruiting nannies, as well as 15+ years of running a homeshare service, has given me a wealth of experience in matching different characters and their varied needs. I also have a personal understanding of Dementia and how it can affect a family and have trained as a Dementia Friends Ambassador to help people understand what it is like to live with Dementia. This allows me to run information sessions for family members and Sharers which cover the key messages that we want everyone to know about Dementia. Recently I have also completed The Open University Mental Capacity course.”
Amanda Clarke – Director and Safeguarding Lead for Share and Care Homeshare
Amanda joined in 2012. “I ran my own business overseas after many years in senior management roles in the UK. My international experience taught me to fully research the needs of my clients and understand their cultures. In addition, I recruited, vetted and managed large teams in the UK. I therefore not only recognise the importance of finding the right people to become Sharers, but also understand the importance of having a stringent safeguarding procedure in place. I have completed the SCIE Safeguarding Adults Course and a Mental Health Awareness course both of which ensure high standards of care and support are offered.”Amanda sat on the Board of Trustees of Shared Lives Plus charity from June 2017-2020. She is currently a regular contributor to the government’s policy advisors on how ‘innovative’ models of care, including homeshare, can be more widely used within Local Authorities.
Charlotte Padgett – Office Manager
Charlotte joined Share and Care in May 2024, Charlotte’s previous experience includes working as an Office Manager in both the charity and finance sectors. “Having a background around the social care sector as well as a family members diagnosed with Dementia, I understand and appreciate how valuable homeshare can be to whole family.
Jackie Abbott – Homeshare Co-ordinator
Jackie joined Share and Care in December 2022. Jackie’s previous experience includes working as a receptionist and customer service as a consultant. “In my previous roles, I have always interacted well with others; I have an empathetic nature and understand that every family’s needs are different. I am a ‘people person’ and enjoy helping others.”
Nicky Dadswell – Marketing & Homeshare Co-ordinator
Nicky joined Share and Care in September 2018; in May 2024 she decided to reduce her work hours but we are glad she has agreed to stay involved supporting us with marketing support and holiday cover. “I was drawn to Share and Care as its homeshare scheme is so valuable to elderly people who want to stay in their own homes. My mother lived with Dementia, so I can empathise and see how beneficial homeshare is to the whole family. It is lovely to be able to help people and offer peace of mind.”
Sarah Swain – Communications Manager
Sarah joined the Share and Care team in 2020 to support with communication and help to raise awareness of homeshare in the media. “It is exciting to be part of such an amazing team who have a shared passion to make a difference to our living choices as we age, helping older people to live independently in their own homes. I specialise in PR and communications in the healthcare sector, and together we’re increasing awareness of homeshare and its compelling positive impact on health and social care, families and loved ones. At Share and Care Homeshare we have so many wonderful stories of the different ways that homeshare supports people – and this strikes a chord with the media – so keep an eye out for us in the news!”
Support Staff
Homeshare is a growing sector and one that Share and Care Homeshare is at the forefront of promoting, both at government and consumer level. In April 2022 Share and Care Homeshare founded the Homeshare Association. The purpose of the Homeshare Association is to advocate the Homeshare movement and its independent, national homeshare providers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We want to encourage more people to join in and Think Homeshare!
The Homeshare Association is made up of experts in the field who have pledged to lead by example. As Homeshare does not deliver any regulated activities, the Homeshare Association ensures its members are committed to maintaining high standards and delivering their programmes in line with the principle standards set out by the Association, with safeguarding at the core.