Once the realm of students and 20-somethings, house-sharing was a perfect means to afford the rent.

Now the concept – in the shape of the Oxfordshire Homeshare scheme – is providing growing numbers of young people with affordable accommodation, and single, older and disabled people with companionship, practical help and even the independence to stay in their own homes.

Former art gallery manager Kate Pierrepont, 46, and student Ruth Davis, 28, are living together thanks to the Homeshare scheme at Kate’s house, in Vicarage Road, Oxford.

Kate said: “A terrible case of food poisoning left me with septicaemia and in hospital from May to September 2007.

“As I got better, I wondered what I would do when I came out. I lived alone, but had been told I couldn’t come out unless there was someone to care for me.

“I didn’t know how I could run a house and care for my dog, Megan.

“The hospital suggested Homeshare, but at first I didn’t like the idea at all.

“But I couldn’t go home without someone being there to help me, so I agreed to give it a go.

“At first, I thought it would be more of a business arrangement, and my Homeshare match would cook for me, do the cleaning and take Megan for walks.

“In return, she would have a room in my house rent-free.

“But it was nothing like that. What began as a house-share ended up as living with a friend.

“Having Ruth here gives me peace of mind.

“My illness affected my speech, my memory and my writing. But Ruth remembers things for me. “And, as well as helping with the housework, she’s also a brilliant cook.

“Homeshare has really helped me and I intend to continue with it until I feel able to live alone again.”

Oxfordshire, along with West Sussex, piloted Homeshare, which is now being rolled out across the country.

Ruth, who is studying for a masters degree in human nutrition at Oxford Brookes University, said: “I saw the link to Homeshare on the Brookes website.

“Living in Oxford is expensive but Homeshare seemed ideal for me, because I would be able to live almost rent-free while I studied, and have the benefit of companionship and of living with someone who knows the city.

“I spend 10 hours a week cooking, cleaning and walking Megan, and I help Kate as she needs it. In return, I have a lovely room in a lovely house and contribute only a minimum amount to bills.

“I don’t have a bad word to say about Homeshare.”

Oxfordshire Homeshare co-ordinator Victoria Harwood said: “Homeshare was launched in May 2007, and we have had over 50 applicants, resulting in six matches.

“It manages to find the householder the help, support and security they need, and finds the homesharer a place to call home, in an area or property that may have been financially out of their reach.”

The scheme involves in-depth interviews, a matching process, introductions and police checks.

For more details, call Ms Harwood on 01235 469547 or 07889 002256, or send an email to her at victoria.harwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk dwaite@oxfordmail.co.uk