The urgency of embedding prevention and wellbeing into social care for older people and the invaluable role of community has been emphasised repeatedly throughout the pandemic.  Now, with the country only now starting to emerge from its third lockdown, alternative, affordable options must be explored to help drive recovery from the pandemic.

As a community service, Homeshare is a sustainable model and a flexible route for local authorities; supporting people to help each other.  It is a simple concept, which for more than 40 years has matched people who need an affordable place to live, typically aged 24 to 50, with older people who have a spare room and require companionship or low-level support.  It’s a model that tackles some of the key housing and social care issues that local authorities face and reduces pressure and financial impact on other council services.