Homeshare: bringing people together

Homeshare is a simple concept: it brings together people who have a spare room with people who are happy to chat and lend a hand.

The home-sharer benefits from low cost accommodation, while the householder receives companionship and practical help in and around their home.

Benefits 

• helps people who need support such as older people, stay in their own homes for longer
• provides affordable accommodation for younger people or key workers, at a time of record housing shortages and high rent

Novus Homeshare 

We use the charity Novus Homeshare to match Barnet residents to suitable home-sharers.

How it works

Householders with a spare room receive 40 hours of help per month for tasks such as cooking, laundry, gardening, shopping and companionship.

Although the majority of householders are elderly residents, the scheme also caters for people with special needs. Relatives concerned about loved ones living by themselves are also encouraged to find out more about the scheme which gives peace of mind that their relatives are not alone.

Costs

Under the scheme, householders pay £130 per month which covers the administration costs as well as receiving regular check-ups to see how things are going.

The monthly cost of a room for home-sharers is £199.34 a month, much less than the average rent cost of rooms in London.

All home-sharers are vetted and have criminal record and background checks. They are also interviewed before being introduced to householders.