The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that actor Hugh Bonneville, currently serving as Vice Patron, has formalised an enhanced commitment to our charity by becoming an official Ambassador for the Association.
Hugh Bonneville’s advocacy will significantly help to elevate the profile of the historic almshouse movement and the broader community-led housing landscape.
As The Almshouse Association marks its 80th anniversary, his appointment as Ambassador comes at a defining moment for the thousand-year-old almshouse movement, as it builds on its remarkable heritage to meet the housing challenges of today and tomorrow.
“Almshouses have been an essential part of our landscape for centuries, helping generations of people live in a safe, secure and socially positive environment. Almshouses represent the best of our nation’s qualities, looking after neighbours in need. I am honoured to be a part of highlighting the work of The Almshouse Association, which is more essential now than ever before.”
Hugh Bonneville | Ambassador for The Almshouse Association
Our shared objective is to ensure that policymakers, local authorities and the public increasingly recognise almshouses as a highly credible pillar of modern regional development strategies. By scaling this community-focused model, we can directly support the delivery of government affordable housing targets while enabling residents to live longer, healthier and more connected lives.
On making the announcement, Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association said, “Having Hugh’s support is a significant milestone that will vastly raise the profile of the almshouse movement. Across the country, local people are in desperate need of safe, affordable homes they can rely on. With his advocacy, we are confident we can drive greater recognition for almshouses as an effective form of community-led housing that fosters good neighbours and supports national housing objectives.”
We are enormously grateful to Hugh for generously lending his time and respected voice to our cause. Together, we look forward to advancing the inclusion of almshouses in the national conversation.
credit – Photograph Gavin Bond
29 July 2026