Dear Members

It is looking likely that we will all be facing a further three week “lock-down” and I don’t know if you feel the same, but I am astonished that it has only been three weeks so far …. it seems a lot longer. It appears we have quickly come to deal with the constraints and created our own “normal” way of working. I am aware that for many members a further three week period will become increasingly hard to cope with. Getting the delicate balance of protecting residents and respecting their independence means a lot of consultation and discussions and, as individuals, we all have our own interpretation.

I recently took part in a teleconference with the Regulator of Social Housing and was able to get a wider insight into the challenges that other small housing providers are experiencing. Along with our own members, some providers have residents that are older and vulnerable and they too are concerned that their organisation will miss out on either PPE or testing equipment when it becomes available. I wanted to assure you that the Association  is making the case to the Government for almshouses ( that need it) to be recognised and included so that they are able to access PPE and testing equipment,  along with any other support available to the sector. As reflected amongst our members, many small housing providers are trying to maintain their regular maintenance and safety checks where they can without putting residents at risk and there is a sense of trying to develop a ‘business as usual’  environment in a complicated world. It was clear that, along with our members, the threat remains, and systems for prevention are harder to maintain over the long term than to introduce.

I will update you on responses from Government and other partners. Our information updates regarding Covid-19 are reviewed daily for any changes in guidance, funding and support so do keep revisiting the website. From my conversations with trustees and Clerks it is clear that your patience, professionalism and care for residents is second to none and I know you will treat another three weeks lock down as another step in the road.

Do call us or email if there is anything specific we can help you with, even if it is to ask how others are dealing with a common issue. Do check our links on Covid-19 updates here.

Best regards

Nick Phillips
CEO|Almshouse Association

Posted 16 April 2020 12.10pm