Other Projects & Partnerships

Homeshare

Homeshare UK is part of Shared Lives Plus

The UK membership charity for more than 6,000 Shared Lives carers, 150 Shared Lives programmes, and a growing network of over 20 Homeshare providers.

The Homeshare UK network

We have grown the Homeshare UK network steadily since 2016 and have developed a tried and tested framework for safe and effective delivery. Homeshare UK provides support and expertise to our network members with a thriving and active network of practitioners delivering high-quality Homeshare programmes across the UK.

What is Homeshare?

Homeshare enables two people to share a home for mutual benefit. Usually, an older person living in their own home with a room to spare will be carefully matched with a younger person who will provide an agreed amount of support in exchange for good quality, affordable accommodation.

Homeshare in the UK 2024-25 Report

We are pleased to share that matches across the Homeshare UK network increased by 54% over the past year.

The growth comes at a time when loneliness across the lifespan is increasing, whilst also many families are under pressure to support older relatives. By matching people who want companionship and light household help with someone seeking affordable and sociable accommodation, Homeshare harnesses the power of intergenerational connections to make a real difference to people’s lives.

The report highlights the benefits for individuals, families and communities:

70% of householders nationally report feeling reassured by having someone in their home overnight.
50% of householders say Homeshare helps them remain living at home.
With average market rents for a room in the UK at £753 per month, and homesharer’s most commonly paying £200 a month to their local service, Homeshare provides a genuinely affordable alternative.
Homeshare can be used before someone is eligible for regulated social care, or alongside existing care services.

Homeshare is a wellbeing-led, preventative service rooted in human connection and reciprocity. Homesharers typically offer around 10 hours a week of practical help and companionship, alongside an overnight presence, in exchange for a comfortable place to live. No personal care is provided.

You can read about the real difference intergenerational relationships formed by the Homeshare UK Network are making to people lives in our report, including, one homesharer with Homeshare Oxfordshire,

‘It feels like home already and it really is a two-way thing. It’s lovely to get back from work and have someone to talk with about how our days have been. We both seem to really enjoy that.”

It may be of particular interest to know that since the collection of this data the Homeshare UK Network has expanded into Scotland!

While the report shows growth, it also highlights the significant potential for Homeshare to expand further and play a bigger role in supporting people to live well at home which I hope we can work on together.

More information: Homeshare UK | the UK Network for Homeshare