With more than 7 million listings Airbnb is bigger than the top-ten hotel chains combined and the democratisation of this market has improved consumer choice and value. Certainly, I, as much as anyone, enjoy the ability to find a ‘home away from home’. Nevertheless, this is not the only option for those who have a spare room and would like to use it to host others. In fact, there are ways to do this that can be mutually beneficial, (in some cases supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society), and still generate some additional income. Below are 5 ways or initiatives in which you could use your spare room to help others:

1. Supported lodgings: Ok so we had to start with our very own supported lodgings scheme! For many young people transition to independent living can be a huge step especially for those without adequate family support networks. In supported lodgings vulnerable young people (16-21) – including care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young parents – are placed in the homes of individuals, families and couples. These hosts provide a bedroom, a safe environment, love, tolerance, support and guidance to a young person. Concrete Rose runs a supported lodgings scheme across Cambridgeshire (although other schemes are available across the UK) which includes wrap-around care for hosts (including 24/7 on-call support, training, regular check-ins, and a weekly rental payment) as well as for young people (including weekly support from a local youth worker). To find out more about this initiative visit: https://concreterose.co.uk/supported-lodgings/

2. Homeshare: If you require some extra companionship and support around the house and particularly in retirement you may consider Homeshare. Homeshare enables two unrelated people to share a home for mutual benefit. Typically, an older householder with a room to spare will be carefully matched with a younger person who will provide an agreed amount of support in exchange for affordable accommodation. The support provided by the homesharer might include help with tasks such as: cleaning, shopping, gardening, overnight security and companionship. For more information see: https://homeshareuk.org/

3. Fostering/adoption: With 95 children entering the care system in the UK every day (and a need for around 8,000 additional foster carers), alongside 2,040 children waiting for adoption in England, demand far outstrips supply. Interestingly, around 1 in 4 people consider fostering at some point in their lives although barriers such as house size, career demands, time, and existing family commitments mean that many do not follow through this interest. Nevertheless, this work is of vital importance and can be transformative for some of the most marginalised, isolated and traumatised young people enabling them to recover, heal and build firm foundations for the future. If you have ever considered this option it may, at least, be worth finding our more. We would recommend speaking to our friends at Moon and Back Fostering: https://tothemoonandbackfostering.com/

4. Refugees at Home: Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. Placements generally last for a few weeks or months (although emergency placements are an option) enabling a vital period of stability and security before alternative housing arrangements can be found. For more information: www.refugeesathome.org/

5. Workaway: Workaway is a little different than the schemes listed above but is the opportunity to provide a free room for travellers who, in return, share their skills and experience. The help offered by these ‘Workawayers’ may include some extra hands for gardening or DIY, creative projects with the kids, house-sitting, charity work, natural building, teaching or practising a language…the list is endless! (For more information visit: https://www.workaway.info/

If you have a spare room, and the desire to make a difference, why not consider one of these options in 2022.