I just wanted to check in with you all again before the week is out, remember, if you need to run something by us or just need to talk, please pick up the phone or send us an email – we are here to help.
We hope that our news updates are proving to be of some assistance to you, but if you need more guidance in a particular area, please tell us.
I know it is an old cliché but these unprecedented times seem to bring out the best in people. Maybe I’m just not seeing it, but thankfully, for now at least, I am witnessing very little of the worst in people.
This is such a difficult time for everyone, and being responsible for an almshouse community, where some of the residents could be more vulnerable to this particular virus, can make this time incredibly stressful. Trustees and staff are working so hard in such challenging circumstances to keep everyone safe and well.
We know many of our residents are affected by this virus either directly or indirectly and sadly we know some have succumbed to the virus just as in the wider population. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, trustees and almshouse communities at this terribly sad time.
Through our communications over the last week or so, I am struck by the strong connections that exist, not just within the almshouses but in the wider villages and towns. These connections and relationships are proving to be such a valuable lifeline in both practical and emotional support. Amongst the almshouse movement we often talk about the fact that our almshouses are mostly for independent living; ‘independent living’ – we see it as a very personal, physical or mental state – but who are we kidding? Few of us are truly independent and at times like this we are seeing how much we depend on each other.
I am hearing so many cases of how almshouse communities are supporting each other and of the local communities supporting the almshouse residents and trustees – some for the first time; young students offering to shop and fetch prescriptions for almshouse residents; local volunteer groups putting themselves forward to help in a variety of ways too, in support of the dedicated efforts of trustees, clerks and wardens. We are currently collating examples of your good practice and practical solutions that are helping to make life a bit easier for members and will be sharing these on our website shortly – there are so many.
We clearly have a long way to go before we see normality (whatever that will look like) again but if there is any good to come from this period, let’s hope people remember how much pleasure and fulfilment they felt from helping their neighbours and our almshouse communities, and long may these strong relationships be a legacy of this dreadful virus.
I will share a reflection of the independent living mentality of the almshouse world that I found thought-provoking. A member of the public I spoke to this week told me that the residents of an almshouse nearby had contacted him – putting a note through his door asking him that if he needed anything to let them know and they would find a way of helping – shopping, talking on the phone etc. Independent living maybe – but community living certainly!
Please share any good news with us as well – it means so much to us all to hear positive stories that raise the spirits and help put smiles on our faces.
Take care and stay safe.
Nick Phillips
CEO|Almshouse Association