Research published in May 2018 by Lloyds Bank Foundation for
England and Wales and the Big Lottery Fund, revealed how
intergenerational homesharing can help reduce loneliness and isolation,
improve wellbeing and address the lack of affordable housing options.
The homeshare model is based on trust and friendship, allowing people to
‘live well’ within their chosen communities.
The evaluation, commissioned by SCIE and conducted by
Traverse, looked at what works to develop a sustainable homeshare
scheme, through:
- Identifying which approaches and activities work best as well as barriers
- Assessing the cost and benefits of the schemes
- Identifying what would encourage a wider take up of
homeshare, through the development of a framework of factors to be used
by commissioners to assess bids for homeshare schemes
The evaluation found that the homeshare model
- reduces loneliness and improves wellbeing by offering companionship and facilitating inter-generational relationships
- provides affordable housing for younger people who are often priced out.
The evaluation was funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation for
England and Wales (LBF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BLF), who have
collectively invested £2m in the Homeshare Partnership programme. The
programme included supporting the set up of homeshare schemes at eight
sites in England and Scotland, to test and develop the model. Further
details about these sites are provided in the report.
Links
- The Homeshare Pilots evaluation final report
- The Homeshare Pilots evaluation executive summary
- Technical appendix
- Homeshare UK
Homeshare matches young people needing a place to live with older people
with a spare room who need a helping hand at home.Meet some of our
homesharers and see what they have to say about their experiences.
About homeshare in the UK
Homeshare UK is the network for all Homeshare schemes in the UK and
Republic of Ireland. Partners work closely with Homeshare International.
As of May 2018 there are some 20 schemes around the UK
with 350 matches involved. The network has grown by 35% over the last
year
Homeshare has proven to be a popular model across the US
and Europe with schemes successfully operating in 14 countries
worldwide.
HomeShare UK supports, guides and is the national voice for Homeshare schemes.
The quality standards developed by Homeshare UK ensure
network members self-regulate and continuously improve their practices
so that they are safe and effective
