Homeshare scheme launches on Isle of Wight to tackle loneliness and housing

A well‑established home-sharing model, that brings older adults together with carefully-vetted younger people for companionship and light household help, is coming to the Isle of Wight for the first time.

Homeshare, to be delivered locally by Two Generations Community Interest Company, pairs an older “Householder” with a younger single “Sharer”, who provides around ten hours a week of practical support such as cooking, shopping, everyday tasks and friendly company. In return, the Sharer receives affordable accommodation at a time when living costs continue to rise.

The arrangement is not a care service or a rental agreement. Instead, both parties pay a monthly fee to Two Generations, which provides safeguarding, support, and ongoing oversight. The Householder fee is £150 per month, bursaries may be available for those in financial hardship. Sharers do not offer personal or medical care; the focus is on reassurance, companionship and the kind of everyday help that can make staying at home easier and safer. Their fee is from £349 per month.

Homeshare schemes across the UK have already helped reduce loneliness, improve well-being, and support independence. Two Generations has been running national programmes since 2018, carrying out enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, home visits, and introductory meetings, to ensure every match is safe and suitable.

For Laura Gaudion, the Isle of Wight Council’s director of adult social care and housing, the scheme has personal significance. “In my final year at university, I lived with Margaret, who was 78 and lonely after losing her husband,” she said. “It wasn’t called Homeshare then, but it worked the same way. It was incredibly rewarding for both of us – I still use her Yorkshire pudding recipe today.”

She believes the scheme will offer older Islanders companionship and reassurance, while giving younger people affordable housing and a meaningful role within the community.

Island residents can find out more via iw.observer/homeshare or by calling 03333 44 77 38.