A well‑established homesharing model that brings older adults together with carefully vetted younger people for companionship and light household help is coming to the Isle of Wight for the very first time.

Homeshare, delivered locally by Two Generations CIC, offers a simple idea with big community benefits.

Under the scheme, an older “Householder” with a spare room is matched with a younger “Sharer,” who provides around ten hours a week of practical support, such as cooking, shopping, day‑to‑day tasks and friendly company.

In return, the Sharer receives affordable accommodation at a time when living costs are rising for many.

Importantly, Homeshare is not a care service. Sharers do not provide any personal or medical care. Instead, the arrangement focuses on reassurance, companionship and the kind of everyday help that can make staying at home easier and safer for older residents.

Homeshare is not a rental arrangement. Both parties pay a small monthly fee to Two Generations, which covers their ongoing support and safeguarding.

Homeshare is already well‑known across the UK for helping people feel more secure at night, easing loneliness and supporting independence.

Two Generations has been running schemes nationally since 2018, and safety remains at the heart of everything they do.

This includes carrying out enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, home visits, introductory meetings and providing ongoing support to make sure each match is safe, suitable and well looked‑after.

The Isle of Wight Council says the scheme is about companionship and gives older Islanders another option, particularly those who may live alone and may feel lonely or isolated, or people who would benefit from a regular, friendly presence in their home.

It may also give families extra peace of mind knowing that a loved one has someone there at night.

At the same time, it offers younger people access to affordable living, as well as the chance to be part of a mutually supportive arrangement built on companionship, purpose and shared benefit.

Homeshare is also seen nationally as a way to help people stay independent for longer, reducing the need for more formal care by offering the kind of everyday support that can prevent difficulties from building up.

Laura Gaudion, director of adult social care and housing at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “We are delighted to support Two Generations in bringing the Homeshare model to the Isle of Wight. Many older residents want to remain in the homes they love but would benefit from a little extra support or company.

“Homeshare offers a safe, reassuring and community‑minded solution, and for me it’s something that resonates on a personal level too. In my final year at university, I took part in a similar arrangement — it wasn’t called Homeshare at the time, but it worked in much the same way.

“I lived with Margaret, who was 78 and had been lonely since losing her husband. It was such a rewarding experience for both of us. I still use her Yorkshire pudding recipe today and make it exactly the way she taught me!

“That experience showed me first-hand how companionship and everyday support can transform someone’s sense of wellbeing, independence and connection. We’re pleased to be working with Two Generations to make this option available for Island residents locally.”

“Homeshare offers a safe, reassuring and community‑minded solution, and we’re pleased to be working with Two Generations to develop this option for Island residents.”

Two Generations has helped hundreds of older adults and families feel safer, less isolated and more supported at home through the scheme.

Its dedicated and friendly team includes people with social care and safeguarding experience, working closely with GPs and other health professionals. Two Generations carefully oversees every match from start to finish.

Lisa Goldsobel, head of operations at Two Generations, said: “We’re delighted to be launching Homeshare on the Isle of Wight and working with the council to make it available locally.

“For many people, having a trusted person in the home can offer real reassurance, practical day-to-day support, and greater confidence to remain independent. We’re excited to start building safe, well-supported homeshares across the Island.”

Councillor Debbie Andre, chair of the council’s adult social care, Public Health and housing committee, said: “Homeshare is a wonderfully positive and innovative way of supporting older people in our communities.

“Many residents simply want the reassurance of having someone around and a bit of help with everyday tasks, and this scheme offers exactly that — safely, sensitively and in a way that promotes independence.

“We’re very pleased to see this model coming to the Island and opening up new options for those who may benefit.”

Island residents who are interested, whether offering a spare room or looking for affordable accommodation, can find out more or make an enquiry at www.twogenerations.co.uk, email contact@twogenerations.co.uk, or call 03333 44 77 38.