BBC 1’s Michelle Ackerley launches Homeshare Scheme

Television presenter Michelle Ackerley launched PossAbilities new Homeshare scheme this week in a special event at One Riverside in Rochdale.

Michelle, currently presenting Watchdog and Crimewatch Live, opened the event in her capacity as PossAbilities Homeshare Ambassador.

This new scheme, supported by the Big Lottery Fund and operated by Heywood based PossAbilities, brings together older people with a spare room and younger people who need a place to live. The idea is that instead of paying rent, the Homesharer agrees to provide up to ten hours of social support instead – gardening, shopping or going out for a meal, whatever the person needs.

With loneliness having the same effect on health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, and young people finding it hard to save for a deposit on a home or pay tuition fees, Homeshare is a win-win.

Michelle Ackerley said “I feel so proud to be the Ambassador for this great scheme. We are beginning to create Homeshares in Rochdale Borough first, before moving out across the North West. It’s really safe, with PossAbilities fully vetting people and monitoring Homeshare arrangements to make sure that they are working out”.

If you are interested in being part of a Homeshare or know somebody that might be, there’s a short film at here, or you can contact: –

Ruth Bamber or Mathilde Vautier homeshare@possabilities.org.uk or 01706 626747.