Homesharers

Homehare Norfolk is looking for helpful and caring people who can provide friendly companionship and up to 10 hours of practical support around the home each week.

In return, you’ll receive low-cost accommodation enabling you to save money and find the breathing space you need.

There is no personal care involved, just companionship and practical jobs around the home. Companionship can involve things like having a chat over a cup of tea, sharing a meal or watching TV together. The practical support is flexible but often includes things like, shopping, cooking, cleaning, gardening or walking the dog.

Research tells us that renting in Norfolk, especially in Norwich, is expensive and competitive. Very often shared accommodation is poorly maintained and noisy leaving people in shared housing feeling unsafe and isolated.

Homeshare Norfolk enables homeowners with a spare bedroom to share their home in a warm, friendly and safe way. We want you to move into a safe and comfortable home, so risk assessments are carried out on houses before you move in.

Homesharers have their own private bedroom and access to other areas in the home, such as the kitchen, living room and the bathroom. Many houses have gardens and parking included.

Who can be a Homesharer?

Anyone can take part in Homeshare as long as you are in a regular job or are studying. Homesharers are often younger people starting out in their careers, mature students or post graduate students and key workers. However, Homeshare is open to all! To take part in Homeshare you will need to:

✓ Feel positive about Homesharing and living with an older person

✓ Be willing to provide 10 hours of support each week

✓ Spend most evenings during the week at home

✓ Be able to provide two character references

✓ Be willing to provide an Adult Enhanced Disclosure’ from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) – we can support with this process

✓ Preferably able to commit to a minimum 12 month period

What does it cost?

Both the Householder and Homesharer pay a monthly fee to Homeshare Norfolk. These fees cover the costs of the checks, the facilitation of the match, and the regular and ongoing support for the duration of the Homeshare. These fees go towards the running of the organisation, helping more people able to benefit from Homeshare.

Homesharers pay a monthly fee of £200, which equates to approximately £6.50 per day. When you compare this to the cost of good quality rental accommodation in Norwich and Norfolk, 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. Get in touch with us for an initial chat, so we can find out more about you and what you would like to get out of Homeshare.

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 matching 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 offer and the ground rules for the Homeshare.

Step 4. Together, we will select a date to begin your Homeshare journey, which starts with a 4-week trial period. Homeshare Norfolk will provide continued support with regular in person visits to your home and phone calls. We will be there to support you at every step.

To get in touch and make a start today!