What is cohousing?

Cohousing is when a group of people come together to create a small housing community, based on a shared desire to live in a supportive and connected neighbourhood. People have their own home, but share community spaces, facilities and resources.

Residents manage the scheme, do a wide range of activities together, and may even regularly eat meals together. It's a great way to make friends, connect with people and foster a supportive way of life.

These communities can be anywhere, either by transforming existing places or creating new ones. They can also be for specific groups, like older people, women or the LGBTQ+ community.

How to get involved

Are you a Southway tenant aged 50 years or over? 

We’d like to hear your thoughts on cohousing. To get involved email Paul Greenwood at [email protected]

What is cohousing?

What is cohousing?

Cohousing is when a group of people come together to create a small housing community, based on a shared desire to live in a supportive and connected neighbourhood. People have their own home, but share community spaces, facilities and resources.

Residents manage the scheme, do a wide range of activities together, and may even regularly eat meals together. It's a great way to make friends, connect with people and foster a supportive way of life.

These communities can be anywhere, either by transforming existing places or creating new ones. They can also be for specific groups, like older people, women or the LGBTQ+ community.

How to get involved

How to get involved

Are you a Southway tenant aged 50 years or over? 

We’d like to hear your thoughts on cohousing. To get involved email Paul Greenwood at [email protected]

Examples of cohousing schemes in the UK

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    Lilac

    Lilac stands for ‘Low Impact Affordable Community’. It’s a cohousing scheme in Leeds with 20 eco-friendly homes built using straw bales. Learn more about Lilac or watch the video below.

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What is Cohousing

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    Chapeltown Cohousing (ChaCO)

    33 families came together to build their own community in Leeds, Chapeltown Cohousing, where they share gardens, food and more.

    Learn more about Chapeltown Cohousing or watch the video below.

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New Leeds cohousing estate sees neighbours share gardens, food and more!

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    New Ground Cohousing

    New Ground in London is the UK’s first cohousing scheme for older women. Learn more about New Ground Cohousing.

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    Lancaster Cohousing

    Lancaster Cohousing is a multi-award-winning eco-community. Home to around 65 adults and 18 children, it’s made up of private homes, community facilities, workshops, offices, studios and shared outdoor space.

    Learn more about Lancaster Cohousing or watch the TEDx talk by Alison Cahn below.

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New The power of sharing: Alison Cahn at TEDxLancasterUniversity