Homesharers
Homeshare North East offers a safe, low cost accommodation option for individuals looking to save money while making a meaningful difference in someone's life. By becoming a Homesharer, you gain access to affordable housing in a welcoming home while providing companionship and practical support to an older person (Householder).
In exchange for a comfortable and affordable place to live, Homesharers provide:
Companionship – sharing meals, chatting over a cup of tea, or watching TV together
Practical support – flexible help with tasks like cooking, cleaning, gardening, managing appointments, taking out the bins, and walking the dog
A trusted presence – offering reassurance and social connection for Householders who may live alone
Homesharers do not provide personal care, such as assistance with medication or physical care needs.
Homesharing means:
Affordable Living – a cost-effective housing option in desirable locations
A chance to save money – reduce living expenses while giving back to the community
Building meaningful connections – enjoy the benefits of shared living while making a difference
Safe and secure accommodation – all Householders are thoroughly vetted, and homes are risk assessed before move in.
Homesharers have their own private bedroom and shared access to common areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
Who can become a Homesharer?
Anyone can take part in Homeshare North East as a Homesharer, as long as they are in a regular job or are studying. Homesharers are often students, young professionals and key workers however Homeshare is open to everyone!
To take part and become a Homesharer you will need to:
Feel positive and excited about Homesharing and living with another person
Be willing to provide consistent companionship, live sociably and provide practical support to the Householder
Spend most evenings during the week at home
Be able to provide two references
Be willing to provide an Adult Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) - we can support with this process
Commit to be a minimum of 6 months
What does it cost?
The Homesharer and Householder both pay a monthly fee to Homeshare North East. The fees cover the cost of the recruitment process, checks, facilitation of the match, monthly reviews and ongoing support throughout the match. These fees support the running of Homeshare North East, helping more people to benefit from Homeshare.
Homesharers pay a monthly fee of £300 which equates to around £10 per day. When you compare this to the cost of good quality rental accommodation in the North East, Homeshare is extremely cost effective. Importantly, you benefit from companionship and a warm, welcoming home. You will often need to make an agreed contribution towards the household bills.
How does it work?
Step 1. Contact us for an initial conversation about how Homeshare North East could work for you. Let us find out a little more about you and how Homeshare could benefit you.
Step 2. If we feel that Homeshare is right for you, we will ask you complete an application form and begin carrying out the vetting checks, which include two character references, finance checks to show us you can pay the monthly fee, and enhanced DBS police checks to ensure safety.
Step 3. We spend time getting to know you in order to match you with the perfect person to share with. With us there to support you, we will introduce you to the Householder, and if you are happy to proceed, we will help you to make decisions about the practical support you can offer and the Homeshare arrangement, ensuring everyone's needs and expectations are addressed.
Step 4. Collectively, we will select a date to begin your Homeshare journey. Initially, this begin with a 4 week trial period. Homeshare North East will continue to provide ongoing support with regular, in person visits and phone calls.
Step 5. At the end of the four week trial period, we arrange a face to face meeting to ensure both parties would like the Homeshare arrangement to continue, making any amendments to the Homeshare agreement if necessary. We continue to provide ongoing support with regular, in person visits to your home and phone calls. We are here to support you at every step throughout your Homeshare journey.
