As part of stress awareness month, we’re highlighting how Homeshare is changing homes across the UK from places of isolation and loneliness, into kinder places filled with friendship and sharing.
Being lonely is bad for your health
Loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness and isolation can adversely impact our stress levels and our mental health, increasing depression and anxiety and decreasing productivity.1
Five years on from the world’s first loneliness strategy, published in the UK in October 2018, figures show that in total, 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely in England. This equates to 25 million people – young and old. 2
Across the country, Homeshare is enabling two people (or more) to share a home, reducing loneliness and isolation one careful match at a time. Because our lives get better when they’re shared.
Homeshare organisations play a pivotal role in the relationship, undertaking all key safety checks, making appropriate introductions, and providing ongoing support. All our Homeshare UK network members are locally based and provide face-to-face support as standard as part of the matching process and when it’s needed throughout each Homeshare.
Find out more about how Homeshare works.
Comments from homesharers and their families
“It has been life changing having my homesharer living here, especially in the dark winter evenings. It really has made a positive change in my life having someone so kind and friendly around and knowing that I am not alone.“ – Householder
“I wanted a bit more companionship around the home. Some assistance if something happened to me, if I got poorly, I thought it would be nice to have someone to help and it’s nice to know that I’ve got someone here.” – Mike, Householder, Homeshare Gloucestershire
“On a practical level Homeshare has given me a safe place to come home to while being able to save money. But this comes second to coming home from work every day knowing that I’ll get to laugh and gossip about my day over a coffee with Sheila.” – Beth, Homesharer, Novus Homeshare
“Mum is able to get the company and support that she needs and that is hugely reassuring for me. Knowing that Mum is in safe and secure at home now, I was recently able to go away and was really touched that Mum was able to send me a birthday video message, with help from her sharer”. – Daughter of Householder, Homeshare Oxfordshire
“It’s given me a new perspective on life and even though I hate to admit it I do need a bit of extra help round the house – I’m not getting any younger!” – Householder
If Homeshare sounds like something that might help you or a family member or loved one, do have a look around our website to find lots of information and inspiration. You can contact us on contact@HomeshareUK.org or find your local Homeshare provider.
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
- https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistic