Joan Bakewell Guardian Article
What is CoHousing?
A way of living co-operatively as well
as independently. Each person has their own self-contained individual
flat in a block with shared communal facilities. A ‘living group’
where health and well-being are enhanced through co-operation, companionship
and mutual support. An environment where diversity is welcomed and everyone
is valued equally regardless of class, ethnicity, belief, disability
or sexual orientation. A community, in which members' skills and talents
are
valued, shared and developed. A community which is actively managed by
its residents.
There is a growing number of cohousing communities throughout
the country that cater for both families and individuals (www.cohousing.org.uk).
When the OWCH scheme is developed it will be uniquely for women over fifty.
History
The Older Women’s CoHousing project was set up by a small group of women in 1998 with the aim of building a CoHousing Community in London along the lines of a model developed by older people in the Netherlands. As a group we are part of a pilot scheme aimed at exploring and documenting what we are doing so that the lessons to be learned might benefit other older people in developing their own CoHousing Communities. We have, as a development partner, the housing association 'Housing for Women' who have been helping us look for sites. We hope that our first cohousing community will be located in Wembley, north-west London, conveniently near the shops and transport routes. We intend that this should provide 25 one and two bed-roomed flats and a common room and guest space. Women must be OWCH members to live there and part of the philosophy of cohousing is that they participate, are involved and share responsibility. Flats will be available for purchase, shared ownership or at an affordable rent for those who are eligible for social housing. We hope that the building will be ready by the end of 2008. We will go on to develop a further cohousing community elsewhere in London once this one is complete.
Who is it for?
Any woman over 50 from any background or culture.
Women who want to live in London.
Women who want to rent, part buy or buy.
Women who enjoy both privacy and the company of like-minded women.
Women who are prepared to commit themselves to the group's values.
Women who are prepared to participate actively
in the management and policy of the group.
Our Values
Acceptance and respect for diversity
Care and support for each other.
Providing a balance between privacy and community.
Countering ageist stereotypes.
Co-operating and sharing responsibility.
Maintaining a structure without hierarchy.
Safeguarding the environment.
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