Cohousing is a ‘collaborative living’ model where individuals or families design and manage a residential community with private homes clustered around shared spaces. These spaces often include communal kitchens, gardens, and social areas, encouraging interaction and cooperation among residents. Cohousing combines the benefits of private living with a strong sense of community, fostering connections and cooperation.
The UK is experiencing a housing crisis marked by high property prices and a lack of affordable housing. Cohousing addresses these challenges in several ways:
Affordability : By sharing resources and decision-making, cohousing can significantly lower housing costs, making affordable living more accessible.
Sustainable Living : Cohousing communities like ours implement eco-friendly practices, reducing utility costs and promoting environmental responsibility.
Community and Support : Cohousing nurtures a sense of belonging and support, combating social isolation, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Flexibility : Diverse living arrangements in cohousing accommodate various needs, fostering multi-generational living and community diversity.
Participatory Governance : Residents actively participate in community decisions, ensuring the needs of all members are met.
For more information about the growing cohousing movement in the UK visit the membership organisation Cohousing Network’s website: https://cohousing.org.uk/