A HOUSE sharing scheme is helping old and young beat loneliness during the pandemic.

One pair who have benefited are university researcher, 32-year-old Jen Allen, who now lives in Marston with 83-year-old Mary Snow.

Ms Allen said: “I am very grateful to be here during lockdown. I know that I’m in a safe environment.

"It’s great to have a quiet space in which to work from home and have the good company of Mary. I’ve been more than happy to be able to help with anything in the house and to get bits of shopping that we need. "

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She added: "We’ve both said how lucky we are to be together and are acutely aware of others in much less fortunate positions.”

Homesharing, where an older person opens their home to someone looking for affordable accommodation in exchange for companionship and help around the house, has been around for decades.

But Homeshare organisations have seen a surge in new interest because of the pandemic.

Oxford Mail:

Marian Pocock, who runs the service in Oxfordshire, said: “People of all ages, many of whom have enjoyed full, busy lives, have found it hard to have spent so much time alone during lockdown.

"Phone calls and video calls can be a lifeline too, but it can get to feel quite daunting if loneliness and isolation creep in."

She added: “We look set to confirm two new matches this week, in Oxford and Abingdon, and three new Householders have come on board in the past couple of weeks.

"The Homeshare concept strikes a chord with so many people. The needs of both parties are met in a kind, understanding way. It’s much more than just a living situation. Very often genuine friendships develop which is so heart-warming.”

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Ms Pocock said careful work went into the matching process and in finding ‘the right person for the right person’.

She added: "Safety too is central to everything. As a local organisation, we are also able to be on the doorstep to support the arrangement once it is in place and we keep in regular touch.

"We can be in contact with family members and friends too, who are reassured that someone is there with their elderly relative or friend when they can’t be.”

To find out about Homeshare Oxford visit ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/our-services/homeshare-oxford/.