Homesharers
Homehare North West 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.
It is no secret that renting is expensive and competitive particularly in city areas such as Salford, Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. Very often shared accommodation is poorly maintained and noisy leaving people in shared housing feeling unsafe and isolated.
Homeshare North West 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 some evenings during the week at home
✓ Be able to provide two character references, a professional reference and be happy to have proof of your financial situation (bank statements, University loan statement etc)
✓ Be willing to provide an Adult Enhanced Disclosure’ from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) – we can support with this process
✓ Able to commit to a minimum 6 month period after a successful initial 4 week trial
What does it cost?
Both the Householder and Homesharer pay a monthly fee to Homeshare North West. 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 and helping more people able to benefit from Homeshare in the North West community.
Homesharers pay a one off admin fee of £100 when the DBS and reference checks begin. Then there is a monthly fee of £250 to Homeshare North West paid in a month in advance. When you compare this to the cost of good quality rental accommodation in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, Homeshare is very 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, a professional reference, finance checks to show us you can pay the monthly fee, and enhanced DBS police checks to ensure safety. We will charge a one off admin fee of £100 to complete the checks.
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, possibly their family or loved one's 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 North West 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.
Get in touch and make a start today!