The Vivarium Trust, based in North East Fife, has been delighted to hear that its application for charity status has been accepted by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Vivarium was set up four years ago to promote Co-Housing for older people and to educate policy-makers and the public about the benefits of this style of living.

Co-Housing is a combination of individual homes plus shared common facilities. Members choose to live in a loose community where social contact with one another avoids the risk of isolation, especially for older people. The whole development is set up and managed by members themselves who retain full responsibility for their own circumstances.

Hugh Hoffman of Vivarium said "Obtaining charity status gives us real credibility and shows that the authorities recognise the value of what we are trying to do. Also we will now have access to sources of funding and support which were not available before."

As part of the educational process, The Vivarium Trust will be setting up a pilot development to demonstrate that Co-Housing is viable in Scotland and to identify the difficulties which need to be overcome. Hugh Hoffman said "Co-Housing has been well established in Denmark, Netherlands, USA, and several other countries for thirty years or so and is seen as a normal housing and lifestyle option.

There is no reason why it cannot happen in Scotland as well. Anyone interested in joining Vivarium or requiring further information can contact Hugh on 01337-831403 or via his contact page.