A WINCHESTER organisation is urging people to sign up to their new scheme which matches an older householder with a younger lodger, to help with everyday tasks.
St John’s Winchester, which supports older people in living well, launched Homeshare in October following the success of the initiative in other areas such as Oxford, Reading and Bristol.
But the not-for-profit is now urging homeowners to step forward so they can reap the practical and social benefits of the service.
In a more affluent location like Winchester, Homeshare will allow students and professionals to live in the city at a lower cost in exchange for 10 hours of their time, whether that’s chatting, washing up, pet care or shopping, for their older homeowner.
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Winchester’s Homeshare co-ordinator Emma Kiss, 54, said: “For these older householders, living with someone else like this can help to reduce loneliness and isolation as well as decreasing the pressure on front-line services.
“It’s a mutually beneficial shared living arrangement, both get companionship. Even just hearing someone else in the house and that key in the door can be so significant.
“The younger person might encourage the homeowner to keep active and eat well, while it can also reduce anxiety and the stress around the cost of living and holding down a job for them too.
“It’s more than a social housing solution, there’s an economic benefit for the community too. It’s an attractive scheme for Winchester as it’s expensive to live and work here due to high rents. It won’t be for everyone but it really is an excellent option and very timely.”
In addition to giving 10 hours of companionship and practical help, sharers pay £200 per month on top of bills, which are agreed upon with the householder, in exchange for a home.
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Meanwhile, the homeowner pays £100 per month for St John’s to keep up the service and offer their support to both parties.
The process starts with an application or a referral, before interviews, home visits, identity checks and references. Once a Homeshare agreement has been signed the pair who have undergone a bespoke selection process undergo a closely monitored one month trial period to see if it works for them.
Co-ordinator Emma is pleased with the organisation’s progress since the launch and hopes to make the first match soon. With the number of sharer applicants outnumbering householders, Winchester Homeshare wants to focus on attracting more older homeowners to get involved.
St John’s is offering the service to the broader Winchester district too. For more information go to stjohnswinchester.co.uk/homeshare/.
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