Homeshare West is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people who need some help to live independently at home and those who need low-cost accommodation.

We’ve been matching Householders with Sharers in Bath and Bristol since 1999. Our detailed interview and matching process has brought many people together over the years, into harmonious and mutually beneficial living arrangements.

Some Householders, struggling by themselves, may feel forced to give up their independence and move into sheltered accommodation. Homesharing offers a low cost alternative.

Homesharing matches someone who needs a small amount of help to live independently in their own home with someone who has a housing need and can provide appropriate support and companionship.

The Householder provides a bedroom and shared facilities free of charge to a reliable younger adult, usually aged over 30 (we call this person the Sharer). In exchange, this person will sleep in the home overnight and carry out agreed household tasks.

The Sharer gets a low cost, rent-free room with no bills in a comfortable and safe home environment. They are happy to give the Householder 10 hours of their time each week.

The Householder remains independent and has the reassurance that the Sharer is there overnight, willing to help out with those daily tasks that are becoming unmanageable.

Homesharing is about friendship, mutual respect and support. The costs are minimal. The Householder and Sharer benefit from each others’ company, gaining security and independence in equal measures.