A home share scheme, matching homeowners in need of support with people looking for affordable accommodation, has been launched in Somerset.
The scheme sees an older or disabled homeowner providing a room in their house in exchange for 10 to 15 hours of support per week with home sharers providing help around the house with cooking, cleaning, basic DIY, and help using technology, as well as companionship and overnight security and presence.
It helps older and disabled people to continue living independently in their own homes, and young professionals and students to find affordable accommodation in a safe and secure home.
Both parties enjoy significant savings, with the homeowner saving money on support, and the homesharer being given accommodation.
The County Council says research has shown that most older and disabled people want to remain independent in their own homes, for as long as possible and that likewise, younger people, struggling with rising rental costs and property prices, need to find low-cost accommodation.
Those interested in the scheme; whether homeowners or prospective homesharers, can find out more by visiting: https://supportmatch.co.uk/
Avon and Somerset Police are reminding farmers and landowners about the importance of marking vehicles and machinery to make them less attractive to steal.
As we continue to emerge from COVID-19 restrictions, Somerset County Council’s Road Safety Team wants to help you ensure your vehicle gets you safely to your destination.
Two new litter-pick stations have been installed, equipped with litter pickers and reusable bags for anyone to borrow and do their own two-minute clean-up at countryside sites across South Somerset.