Tackling loneliness, rising costs & housing pressures — How Homeshare offers a simple, human solution.
Across the UK, more and more people are feeling the squeeze. Older adults are struggling with the cost of living and the emotional toll of loneliness. Meanwhile, younger people—many of them key workers or students—are priced out of housing near work, friends, or study. It’s a quiet crisis, playing out behind closed doors. But there is a solution that’s already changing lives across the North East. It’s called Homeshare.
6/27/20251 min read
A Shared Life, Not Just a Shared Space
Homeshare brings together two people with different but complementary needs.
Older adults, often living alone, with a spare room and a desire for companionship or a helping hand.
Homesharers, often younger, looking for affordable accommodation and meaningful connection.
In return for a room in the older person’s home, the Homesharer provides low level practical support with things like cooking, shopping, light cleaning, gardening, or simply sharing a meal and conversation.
No personal care. No rent. Just mutual support, friendship, and dignity.
Real Problems, Real Solutions
Loneliness is more than an emotion. It’s a public health issue.
Studies show that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of dementia, heart disease, and depression. Over 1.4 million older people in the UK report feeling lonely often.
Meanwhile, affordable and stable housing feels out of reach for many key workers, carers, students, and early-career professionals. The demand for housing support continues to rise—but the system is stretched.
Homeshare offers a practical alternative—one that reduces loneliness, supports independent living, relieves pressure on services, and creates genuine cross-generational connection.
Built on Trust, Backed by Support
At Homeshare North East, we do far more than just make introductions.
We carefully screen and vet Homesharers (including enhanced DBS checks and references), visit every property, and provide ongoing support to ensure everyone involved feels safe, respected, and valued.
“Homeshare gave me more than help—it gave me life again. I laugh every day now.” - Householder
That’s the power of this simple, human idea.
In a time when headlines are filled with division, cost-of-living fears, and care system pressures, Homeshare reminds us what’s possible when we share not just homes, but lives.
Could Homeshare be right for you or someone you know?
