UK Cohousing Network

NESTA Age Unlimited Senior Cohousing Programme

(April 2010)

Ageing well in cohousing

The NESTA Age Unlimited programme is looking at how people in their 50s and 60s can design and deliver new types of services which help them to age well and prevent the negative effects of retirement.

Both intergenerational and senior cohousing are designed to do just that.

My story

I've lived at The Community Project cohousing in Sussex for last 10 years.

Didn't want to grow old on my own

I have a rich social and cultural life closely interwoven with others living here

I'm the envy of many of my friends

Want to pass on the baton to others

The Community Project

The Community Project

Relentless demand for cohousing

Endless stream of visitors Enquiries from - Groups trying to set up a project - Professionals - Individuals re joining existing scheme Network has run workshops, training courses,

telephone advice, sold our legal documents and developed website

But few have succeeded. Demand relentless – wont go away.

New model needed

Adapt the partnership model used in the USA and in Europe, particularly Holland and Sweden

Encourage partnerships between developers, housing associations and local authorities

May be the key to getting cohousing established in UK

NESTA funding Network to (1)

Prototype cohousing models for use by developers, social landlords and groups of users

Develop and test a service to provide advice, guidance and support to older people, developers and social landlord on senior cohousing

Raise profile of senior co-housing

NESTA funding Network to (2)

Provide practical help and guidance to groups and individuals

Match-make older people, groups, developers and social landlords

Develop a consultancy model for RSLs, developers and local authorities including materials, pricing and business models

The Community Project

www.cohousing.org.uk