A service which supports people to find a home in return for support and companionship has given a Wadebridge resident a more full and active life.
The service which is delivered in partnership with Supportmatch Homeshare, Cornwall’s Voluntary Sector Forum and Cornwall Council, helps match people with a spare room and looking for support, with someone looking for a home and able to provide that support.
Supportmatch is a non-profit organisation that has over 10 years of experience of delivering the Homeshare service across the UK. They carry out Enhanced DBS, interviews and references with the homesharer. The householder decides who will come to live in their home and safeguarding is a crucial part of the service.
In this example, Mo Hornbrook from Wadebridge was supported to find a match after losing her husband.
Her son, Scott, found out about the service after receiving support from a Cornwall Council social worker and he says its transformed both his mum’s and his life:
“I was receiving up to 50 phonecalls a day from mum and I’m self-employed. It was loneliness on mum’s part so that’s now reduced to 4 or 5 calls a day.
“Mum’s more content to be in her own home. If there’s a way we can keep her in her own home for as long as we possibly can then its got to be a win-win.”
Mo said:
“I can pop down the road, I can go to the shops so being here is absolutely ideal.”
Mel, who lives with Mo said:
“I have hugely enjoyed my experience with Supportmatch Homeshare. The application, background check, and matching processes were all handled very professionally and efficiently, and I was fortunate to be matched with someone whom I got along well with.
“I felt supported at all times, and I have been immeasurably grateful for not only the affordable housing, but also the opportunity to experience a different part of the country and be welcomed into a new home, family, and community.”
Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, Cllr Andy Virr said:
“Supportmatch is now supporting a number of people across Cornwall to live more independent lives and its great to hear Mo’s story and how she has been supported to stay living independently in her own home.
“I’d urge anyone who might be struggling right now and worried about needing more support to consider this service. Often people might think they need to move into a care home but in a lot of cases, just having some company and someone around to do the shopping or pick up a prescription is enough.”
Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing, Cllr Olly Monk said:
“This service is just one of the ways in which we are working with residents to make better use of the homes and buildings that Cornwall already has. This example shows the true and real benefit of people opening up their homes to others, providing immeasurable benefit to both parties.”
If you or someone you know has a spare room and would like to find out more then please get in touch by emailing the service, or calling 020 363 30 6066info@supportmatch.co.ukPlease also get in touch if you are looking for accommodation and think this arrangement might suit you.
You can find out more on the Supportmatch Homeshare website