A new shared living match made through Cornwall’s Supportmatch Homeshare service has been deemed ‘priceless’ by the people involved. 

Nosi Macaula went to live with Patricia Moyer when both of them signed up to the service which is run as a partnership between Cornwall Council, Supportmatch Homeshare and Cornwall’s Voluntary Sector Forum. 

The service matches people who need somewhere to live with people with a spare room who are looking for some companionship and support with household tasks. 

Cerris, Patricia’s daughter met with Nosi after she made enquiries about the service and felt that Nosi would be the right person to live with her mum after her health declined. 

She said: “Having Nosi here has meant the world to me and to my mum. And for me, having someone in the home, in terms of a holistic presence in the house, and certainly for overnight and, someone I could talk to about, just the nuances of how she’s doing, has been priceless.” 

Nosi said: “I would recommend it to anybody because you do something that you love, you spread kindness, and you have friendships that last forever and during that time you learn, you share positive energies. So that is why I would recommend it.” 

Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, Andy Virr said: “Nosi and Cerris are a really great example of how the Supportmatch Homeshare service is providing a mutually beneficial service. Nosi speaks so passionately about the benefits she’s has seen through the service, and I think, has truly captured the essence of what Supportmatch aims to do.” 

Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing and planning, Olly Monk said: “It’s all about sharing homes, experiences and lives, when today we often find people struggling, to find an affordable place to live, to have company and support and to combat loneliness. 

“It’s not just the person needing support that benefits but the person sharing the home, as Nosi so passionately articulates.” 

Both people involved pay a fee to Supportmatch, which carries out Enhanced DBS checks, 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. 

If you or someone you know has a spare room and would like to find out more then please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 0203 633 6066.  

Please also get in touch if you are looking for accommodation and think this arrangement might suit you.