Hope Cohousing – a community interest company – is working to establish a small cohousing project for older people in St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney as a lasting community benefit. There will be six new, eco-aware, affordable rental homes for people wanting to live independently and build a supportive community. It will have shared amenities, a garden….and hens.
Find out more about the project; become a Friend of Hope Cohousing.
In the news
More on Scotland’s housing crisis
Recent housing statistics show a significant decrease in homes completed (down 11% on the previous year) and started (down 24%). There has been a significant drop in social and affordable housing. For example, housing association new build starts (2,073 homes) in 2023 were at the lowest number since 1988. Local authority starts (1,192 homes) in 2023 were at the lowest number since 2013. [See Scottish Housing News].
Hope Cohousing featured in Women
and Home
The March edition of Women and Home has an article on cohousing that has a page featuring Hope Cohousing. Complete with a great aerial photo of the Hope, it captures some of the flavour of the project and the thinking that underpins it.
We are hoping that it will also be included in the online version of the magazine next month.
Some sobering statistics from Independent Age
Independent Age has launched a new research report on how to improve the lives of older private renters in Scotland. They found that:
- 39% older private renters live in poverty.
- 23% more older people experienced homelessness in 2022-23 than 2021-22.
- 65% of the houses lived in by older people are in a state of disrepair. [February 12, 2024]
Download the report from Independent Age.
Click for more news.
Resources
Featured article: Why cohousing is good for people and communities – the evidence. [Updated January 2024]
Creating a cohousing project: Materials and videos exploring different aspects of putting together a cohousing project.
St Margaret’s Hope: Find out more about the village, local services and attractions.
Meet-up
Want to talk about the project? Our next monthly get-together will take place on April 6, 2pm at Robertsons in the Hope.
Email us if you are thinking of coming along or have questions about HCH.
For more about other cohousing groups in Scotland click on the link below.
