As part of Homehare Week 2024, we’re excited to share Simon and Isabel’s story. It shows how Homeshare can bring people together in a positive, supportive way. Their experience highlights how sharing a home doesn’t just provide help with daily tasks, but also creates real friendships and shared experiences.
Simon and Isabel started their Homeshare journey in November 2023. Simon liked the idea of Homeshare because it appealed to his sense of social responsibility, and it gave him a way to use extra space in his home. With his partner working overseas and his children living in other cities, having someone move in for a bit of support made sense. Simon has Parkinson’s which doesn’t stop him enjoying activities like pickleball, writing, cycling, and gardening. But by the end of the day, he sometimes feels tired and off-balance.
Leeds Homeshare matched Simon with Isabel, a recent graduate of Leeds Art University. She was looking to live closer to her job at a historic mill shop. Isabel had experience with shared living, and her creative but practical personality seemed like a great fit for Simon. She was also happy to help with household tasks and share meals together.
Their Homeshare arrangement has turned into a rewarding partnership built on mutual support. Isabel’s partner even fixed the cat flap, and Simon gave Isabel career advice when she was applying for a new job. Simon also shared some of his favourite recipes, though they both laughed over one particularly lumpy attempt at polenta!
As a Professor Emeritus, Simon enjoys exploring new ideas, though he admitted reality TV was a step too far. They’ve enjoyed trying new things together, even bonding over a local beer festival, joking that while it lacked atmosphere, the beer made up for it!
For Isabel, Homeshare has provided a “rare opportunity” to plan for her future without the financial pressures of traditional renting. She’s enjoyed getting to know Simon and his family and appreciated their help settling into the area. She’s also found the Homeshare service caring and professional.
Simon says Homeshare has broadened his horizons while giving him practical support with cooking, cleaning, and even emptying the dishwasher. More than that, it gives him peace of mind. “From the start, I knew all the checks had been done, and that gave me the confidence to give it a try,” he said.
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