Almshouses on BBC Morning Live: ‘Retired and Renting‘

The almshouse movement is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance; hardly a day going by without almshouses and their benefits appearing either on the radio or social media, in magazine articles, the nationals and the local papers. Back in September, we were preparing for a photoshoot with resident interviews at a Chester almshouse with Cheshire Life magazine so when the BBC contacted the Association about an interview for their feature on ‘Retired and Renting’, we were thrilled to be able to take part and suggested combining the two.

It was a bright, sunny afternoon when our CEO, Nick Phillips, arrived at the Nantwich Almshouses for the interview and the site was buzzing with activity. Film cameras, photographers, cables and crew stretched across the grounds, plus several residents were eagerly awaiting their introduction to the BBC crew and Cheshire Lifeā€™s editorial team. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and importance.

The BBC interview addressed a growing concern. Many older, retired individuals can no longer afford the rising rent costs to stay in their homes. According to iNews, the statistics are alarming, with a 50% increase in recent years. During filming, we heard from a couple who had become homeless, unable to keep up with rent hikes. Their story paints a grim picture, yet there is hopeā€”this couple has since found refuge in their almshouse in Nantwich and their lives have changed dramatically for the better.

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This news feature, which aired on the BBC’s Morning Live Show on 18 September 2024, highlights the invaluable role of almshouses. Not only do they provide security and stability for vulnerable individuals, but they also offer a cost-effective solution that doesnā€™t burden public finances. To view the interview, please click here – the almshouse section starts about 19 minutes in.

The piece underscored how almshouse living can profoundly transform lives, offering dignity and hope to many and, following the interview, the huge spike in visitors to our website demonstrated both the pressing need for affordable homes and the public’s interest in almshouses.

posted 10 October 2024