The Almshouse Association is expanding its research agenda to further explore the broader charity housing sector, aiming to provide additional compelling evidence of the positive impact of almshouse living on residents and their communities.

This initiative seeks to identify synergies across various charitable housing models, assessing their benefits on residents’ well-being while demonstrating their effectiveness and cost efficiency for the state. The Almshouse Association believes that fostering collaboration across the sector will amplify our collective voice among policymakers, providing a stronger platform for partnership, innovation, and the continued growth of the charitable housing sector.

Last week, our annual research workshop at Skinners’ Hall in London brought together leading academics from institutions such as the University of Bristol, Cardiff University, the University of Suffolk, Oxford University, The Open University, and Universität Liechtenstein.

The event also drew together key figures from the charitable housing sector, including the CEO of Cohousing UK, a founder of Intergenerational England, a representative from an Intentional Living community, the National Housing Federation, as well as prominent housing researchers and policymakers. This gathering served as a catalyst for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and deepening insights into innovative housing solutions.

“The research workshop was an excellent opportunity for people from across the charitable and affordable housing worlds to come together to explore the range of models out there and share best practice. What shone through was the value of partnership working across these different models and how much can be achieved when we share insights and learn lessons from one another.”

Ed Barber, External Affairs Manager, National Housing Federation

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, stated:

“We firmly believe that collaborating with other charitable housing models will help identify the key strengths of community-led housing, reinforcing its role in society. These models not only provide homes but also foster a strong sense of community, enhancing well-being, reducing loneliness and isolation, and delivering proven financial savings for society. The sector is a hub of innovation, offering effective housing solutions, and by working together, we can amplify our message— for most people, wellbeing is linked to being part of a community and we believe that the charity and co-housing sector have the solution to a good life model.”

“The research workshop was a vital opportunity to bring together leaders and innovators from across the housing sector, fostering collaboration and shared learning. It reinforced the importance of integrating different yet complementary housing models: almshouses, co-housing, intergenerational living, and more, to create communities that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to evolving social needs. By working in partnership, we can build housing solutions that not only provide homes but also strengthen connections, wellbeing, and support across generations.”  

Charlotte Miller, Co-Founder of Intergenerational England 

posted 4 February 2025