Date published: April 16, 2025
Homeshare Featured on BBC One’s The One Show
Homeshare was featured on The One Show on BBC One last night, giving national exposure to the growing interest in shared living. The programme, which airs weekdays at 7pm, attracts an average audience of 3.6 million viewers, providing a valuable platform to raise awareness of how Homeshare provides companionship and tackles the housing crisis.
The segment featured Dorothy, 88, and Rumeysa, 31, who have shared a home in Bristol for over a year, after being matched through Homeshare West.
Homeshare West is a member of Homeshare UK, which is part of Shared Lives Plus, the membership charity dedicated to building a kinder, stronger society through the sharing lives and homes.
Introduced by presenter Alex Jones as a “life-changing scheme”, the film was presented by Jacqui Joseph, who explored how Homeshare is connecting people through practical, supportive living.
Rumeysa explained how she discovered the scheme:
“My tenancy was coming to an end, so I was looking for somewhere new. I came across this ad and thought, ‘I can live with someone older and be their company.’ Then they matched me with Dorothy.”
Dorothy reflected on how the arrangement adds structure and companionship to her day: “It’s having somebody in the house. Rumeysa goes to work in the morning and says goodbye — there’s a routine to it.”
Rumeysa spoke about the wider benefits: “Housing — especially in Bristol — is really expensive. It’s great to have a nice home, but the most important thing for me has been the company. We’ve become friends.”
Dorothy added: “She makes me cups of tea, she sits and chats with me — that’s the main thing. We watch some television together.”
When asked if they enjoy the same shows, both laughed: “Yes,” said Rumeysa. “We like Antiques Roadshow.”
The segment also featured Booshie, 72, and Jack, 64, who were matched through a separate scheme called Share Home. Share Home operates on a different model — the sharer pays rent and arrangements are generally longer term.
In contrast, Homeshare doesn’t involve rent. Instead, matches are based on mutual benefit – the sharer provides companionship and light support in exchange for affordable accommodation.
Homeshare arrangements are flexible in length, ranging from a few months to several years. Homeshare providers charge a small fee to support and facilitate the match, and in some cases, sharers may contribute to household bills.
A big thank you to Audrey at Homeshare West for helping to make this happen, and of course to Dorothy and Rumeysa for taking part and sharing their story.
Visit the HomeshareUK website to find out more about Homeshare in your area.
