For more than 150 years, Sir Josiah Mason’s Almshouse Charity, now part of MY Trust (Mason Yardley Trust) has played a defining role in supporting vulnerable people across the West Midlands. Founded formally in 1868 by industrialist and philanthropist Sir Josiah Mason, the charity was established on a simple but powerful belief: that safe homes, education and opportunity can transform lives.
While the Trust is widely recognised today for its almshousing and care for older people, support for children and young people has always been central to its purpose. In the 1850s, Sir Josiah Mason built his first almshouses to provide homes for more than twenty widows and unmarried women, alongside accommodation for over thirty orphaned girls. The scale of local need soon became unmistakable. Demand for places for children and young people far outstripped provision, prompting Sir Josiah to undertake a far more ambitious project.
This led to the creation of what became Birmingham’s largest orphanage, opening in 1868 and forming the foundation of the Trust itself. The orphanage was preceded by the establishment of a school for the local community, providing free, non-denominational education at a time when access to learning was limited for children from poorer backgrounds. When it opened, the orphanage accommodated around 300 children, later expanding to provide homes and education for up to 500 boys and girls.
In recent years, the pressures facing care-experienced young people have grown exponentially. Rising housing costs, limited access to stable accommodation and the absence of family safety nets mean many young adults face the risk of homelessness at a critical point in their lives. It was this reality, combined with the enduring legacy of Sir Josiah Mason, that led the Trust to refocus on support for young people.
In 2023, the Trust launched Shine, a community based project supporting care experienced young people and those on the edge of care. Shine has already had a significant impact, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and navigate adult life with greater stability. However, community support alone cannot fully address the structural challenge of housing insecurity. It was this understanding that led the Trust to develop Meeson Apartments.
Completed in March 2026, these new almshouses represent a significant milestone for the Trust. They are the Trust’s first standalone new build development in 25 years, and its first purpose built almshouses for young people in more than 170 years. Located in Solihull, the scheme comprises four highquality apartments, designed specifically for care experienced young people, offering a careful balance of independence, security and access to support.
Each apartment is EPC rated A, featuring air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. The homes are fully self contained and include a private patio or balcony, a spacious double bedroom, a lounge with access to a dedicated kitchen, and a modern wet room. . The scheme was constructed by Harper Group Ltd and completed in under a year, following careful planning and consultation. Every aspect of the design reflects a deep understanding of the needs of young people transitioning into independent living.
Residents will live independently while also benefiting from wrap-around support delivered by the Trust’s Shine team in close collaboration with their housing services. This integrated approach ensures that the apartments provide more than shelter: they offer a stable foundation for education, employment, personal growth and resilience. Being based on the edge of one of the Trust’s largest sites also means that there will be plenty of opportunities for intergenerational activities. This includes a new project called Grandfriends, where young people will be matched with older residents for mutual friendship and support.
The project has been funded through a combination of Homes England funding (accessed via The Almshouse Consortium Ltd), charity reserves, and fundraising support from a range of charitable trusts. It reflects the trustees’ long-term commitment to reinvesting in communities and responding proactively to emerging social need. The apartments are named in honour of Ken Meeson, a long-serving trustee and former Mayor of Solihull, recognising his dedication to public service and lasting local impact.
Although the first residents are only just preparing to move in, the significance of Meeson Apartments is already clear. For the young people it will house, the project offers far more than accommodation, it provides stability, dignity and the opportunity to shape a future on their own terms. For the Trust, it represents a confident step forward, combining historic values with modern, sustainable housing solutions.
As the Trust prepares for the official opening later this year, the scheme stands as a tangible example of how long established charities can innovate while remaining true to their roots.
Meeson Apartments is part of several new initiatives as MY Trust continues to evolve. honouring its past while building brighter futures for the next generation.
posted 21 May 2026