Jane Gibson Almshouses – North East England, Sunderland

Accommodation

Jane Gibson Almshouses has a vacant one-bedroom flat at the Mowbray Almshouses next to the Minster in the centre of Sunderland (SR1 3PU). It is generously-sized; on the first floor reached by stairs and part of a community of 8 flats.

Photographs available at https://tinyurl.com/AlmshousePhotos

Criteria

Available to those over the age of 60; associated with Bishopwearmouth parish or able to demonstrate a connection to Sunderland; living independently, in financial and housing need and able to provide character references.

Contact Details

email: jgcmowbrayalmshouses@gmail.com
Telephone: 07986 669249
Address: The Administrator, Jane Gibson Almshouses, 313 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3ET

We need your Skills and Expertise! Join Our Trustees.

Are you a passionate community minded individual , with time to spare and want to make use of your skills?

We are looking to add to our Board of Trustees at The Hospital of the Holy Trinity in Aylesford and would love to hear from you. 

We are a small Almshouse with 14 Flats housed in a wonderful building that originates from the 1600’s. We are in the heart of the old Aylesford village and known locally as Trinity Court.

No experience is necessary, just a commitment to the role and a willingness to learn.  

In being  a Trustee you will be contributing to our local community by providing secure affordable housing for older residents , supporting the aims of the charity and using your skills effectively. 

We would love to hear from you and welcome enquiries from all walks of life and offer in return a chance to undertake a rewarding and valuable role in the local community. The Trustees meet 3 times a year and are supported by their Clerk , Kathy who can be contacted for more information or an informal chat by emailing kathyfoster.trinitycourt@gmail.com

Chubbs Almshouses: a tale of two terraces

“An institution – but never institutional!“

Sent in by Sheila Seymour, Clerk

Chubbs Almshouses in Crewkerne comprise two adjoining terraces of charming two-storey, one-bedroom homes. One dates from the 1880s, the other as far back as 1604. Both are Grade II listed, each with its own character and history woven into the fabric of the town.

Recently, the time came to repaint the exterior woodwork. The Victorian terrace, with its smart, matching front doors, already presents a pleasing uniformity that residents were keen to preserve. The earlier terrace, however, tells a different story. Built in 1604, these homes open directly onto the pavement and have no front gardens. For years their doors were painted “Institution Brown” — serviceable perhaps, but rather dull and lacking in personality.

The original almshouse doors

From institution brown to heritage bright

Because of the Grade II listing, any new paintwork had to fall within an approved Heritage Colour palette. Happily, Chubbs Almshouses are fortunate to have a professional artist living at either end of the 1604 terrace, both blessed with an excellent eye for colour. With their guidance, they saw an opportunity to brighten things up while remaining fully in keeping with the building’s historic status.

Residents were given a heritage colour chart and invited to choose. The doors could match, be paired, or each be entirely individual – the choice was theirs. The idea was met with great enthusiasm.

The transformation has been remarkable. Dennis and his assistant Mark, both trusted tradesmen and characters in their own right, carried out the work beautifully.

They did, however, find it difficult to keep to schedule, as passers-by frequently stopped to admire the new look and share their appreciation! Many commented that the colours have transformed the street and brought a real sense of joy to the area.

A street transformed

Indeed, since the repainting, three neighbouring houses have followed suit. What was once an unremarkable stretch of road has become something of a local talking point.

Chubbs Almshouses may be an historic institution, but they are anything but institutional. The individuality of their residents now shines through, and the street feels all the brighter for it.

posted 12 February 2026

Wessex Almshouse Group Meeting (WAG)

📅 SPRING MEETING – Thursday 19 March 2026
📅 SUMMER MEETING – Thursday 16 July 2026
📅 AUTUMN MEETING – Thursday 19 Nov 2026
📍 Hosted by St John’s Hospital, Wilton at Sarum College in Salisbury Cathedral Close , SP1 2EE

The WAG is an informal, un-minuted networking group, aimed principally at the clerks and trustees of the smaller almshouse organisations in the Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire and Dorset area (say 40 units and below). Wardens are welcome to attend as well if they wish.

We meet at Sarum College in Salisbury Cathedral Close (SP1 2EE) from 13:00 – 16:00. A buffet lunch is provided on arrival. All attendees pay £15 (food and venue hire) on the day.

If you would like to join WAG, please email Nick Stiven (St John’s Hospital, Wilton) at stjohnswilton@outlook.com. A calling notice is emailed to all WAG members before each meeting, so we have an idea of numbers and the topics that members want to discuss.

New guidance: Qualifications for Registered Providers

Registered providers of social housing should be aware of new qualification requirements introduced under the Government’s Competence and Conduct Standard.

Almshouse charities that are Registered Providers must now be able to demonstrate that relevant employees are suitably qualified, with evidence provided to the Housing Ombudsman on request.

To support member in understanding who needs the qualification, we have launched a new bespoke guidance page with a practical toolkit of downloadable resources. The toolkit includes:

  • A qualification assessment flowchart
  • Assessment criteria based on the Qualifications Policy Document
  • Example job descriptions for clerks and wardens
  • Staff code of conduct and contractor assessment templates
  • A development and training impact assessment template

👉 Read the guidance and access the toolkit here: Qualifications for Registered Providers of Social Housing – Guidance
or via our bespoke Registered Providers page here: Registered Providers only

posted 11 February 2026

Devon Regional Meeting

📅 Thursday 7 May 2026
📍 Hosted by Tiverton Almshouses, Devon

More details to follow

                                                            

Advancing almshouse and charity housing research

Reflections from The Almshouse Association Annual Research Symposium

The Almshouse Association Annual Research Symposium took place at the Ironmongers’ Hall in London on Tuesday 3 February 202. Attendees came from universities in England, Wales and Holland and it was a pleasure to see such a full room of inspiring and highly commended leading experts, funders and researchers, almshouse charities, and advocates of the almshouse movement from both the UK and abroad.

There is a growing awareness of the value of research informing best practice in management and architecture of almshouses and it is always inspiring to hear academics and leaders in the charity housing sector share their research and discuss areas for future investigation.

This year, we explored how complex “loneliness” is, how many place-based factors influence the feelings of loneliness, and how architecture, planning and community relations can influence loneliness and social isolation. This gathering provided a vital platform to share the latest findings, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration across the sector.

Different perspectives

The programme highlighted both historical and contemporary perspectives. International speakers showcased approaches from the Netherlands and Liechtenstein, demonstrating how design and community structures have both impacted and long been used to address loneliness. UK-based research presentations explored people-centred design, health and wellbeing, and insights from recent studies in Suffolk and the private rented sector, underlining how evidence can inform better housing solutions.

The event also shone a light on the practical impact of design in the built environment. Presentations included lessons from Morden College’s comprehensive resident engagement strategy; initiatives to create age-friendly communities in Bath, and examples of innovative award-winning architectural practice emphasising relationships, community, and collaborative design in Bermondsey.

A strong emphasis was placed on translating complex research into actionable strategies. Expert speakers discussed how findings can inform public policy, improve housing provision, and foster healthier, more connected communities.

The event featured multiple panel discussions, facilitating dialogue between guests to identify future priorities and opportunities for collaboration, as well as building on Housing LIN’s HAPPI principles – generous space standards, abundant natural light, balconies/outdoor spaces, adaptable “care-ready” design, and communal, socially-active environments, aiming to promote independence, health, and community integration – and TAPPI principles – a £3m (revenue) programme to promote age-inclusive homes and communities. Representatives from Dutch almshouses brought historic reports of loneliness to the group and led to great debate.

Collaboration

Overall, the event underlined the critical role of convening the sector, enabling stakeholders to stay informed of emerging research, share best practice, and collectively explore innovative ways to tackle loneliness and social isolation through thoughtful architectural design. It reinforced the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration in progressing housing and community solutions that genuinely enhance social connection and well-being.

Quotes from attendees and speakers

“Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday and to see old friends, new friends and make new ones!”
Jeremy Porteus, CEO, Housing LIN

“I just wanted to congratulate you on providing us with such a wonderful day of talks and networking opportunities. In my 32 years of academia, it’s hard to think of a research day which I have found more interesting!”
Professor Ben Rickayzen PhD FIA  C.Act,  Faculty of Actuarial Science and Insurance, Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), City St George’s, University of London

“Thank you for inviting me to be part of the workshop today. A fantastic line up of speakers and research/projects!”
Alison Benzimra, Head of Research and Influence, United St Saviours Charity

“Thank you so much for inviting me. It was fantastic to hear about all of the different projects going on and the future of almshouses, I found it very inspirational.”
Faye Sanders, Doctoral Researcher in Housing and Health, Co-Chair of Healthy Homes Research Network, Housing Studies Association

A huge thank you to all who attended and contributed to making the day so inspiring, insightful, and full of meaningful discussion. Your engagement truly brought the event to life!

If you would like to attend future annual research events, please contact gerryharmon@almshouses.org

posted 10 February 2026

Policy and Governance update: February 2026

FEBRUARY 2026: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

1. Warm Homes Plan

The Government has recently published their new Warm Homes Plan. It includes significant grants and support aimed at reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency, which can be applied for by members.  

The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund will provide over £1 billion in grants to help social housing landlords upgrade homes with insulation, heat pumps and other measures, lowering energy costs for residents.

In addition, the Government’s broader support includes the existing Warm Home Discount scheme – a bill rebate (around £150) for residents on low incomes or certain benefits each winter – as part of the package of measures to help vulnerable families with energy costs. The Warm Home Discount is automatically applied to a resident’s bill, so individuals are not required to apply for it.

2. ECO (Energy Company Obligation) Ends

As part of the new Warm Homes Plan, the Government has also published its response to a consultation into the ECO4 scheme. As a result:

  • ECO4 will be extended by nine months, ending on 31 December 2026, to allow suppliers additional time to meet existing targets and remediate non-compliant installations.
  • The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) will end as planned on 31 March 2026.
  • No carry-over mechanism will be introduced because there will be no successor obligation after ECO4 to carry-over into. 
  • Solid wall and EFG minimum requirements will remain at current levels and must be achieved by the new ECO4 end date.

This means that the schemes will no longer be available to almshouse charities, however those that are currently engaged in the process of refurbishment using ECO4 funding will be able to complete their projects.

3. Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime

The Government has published a partial response to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regime.

Whilst the consultation for EPCs in social rented homes has yet to be published, it is likely that almshouse charities will need to ensure their properties achieve an EPC rating of C or above.

For domestic EPCs, the Government will replace the existing single cost metric with four new headline metrics:

  •  energy cost
  • fabric performance
  • heating system
  • smart readiness

The response also suggests that there will be flexibility for heritage buildings. The Almshouse Association will continue to monitor the situation.

NOTE: There is a new, related consultation out now: Home Energy Model: Energy Performance Certificates, which closes on 18 March 2026.

4. New Decent Home Standard

The Government has confirmed the details of the new Decent homes Standard (DHS), which will come into force from 2035.

This will apply to all social and private landlords – including almshouse charities that are registered providers. The Almshouse Association recommends that all almshouse charities comply with the guidance.

As an overview, the new DHS will require:

  • Criterion A – A home must be free of the most dangerous hazards.

To meet this criterion, properties must be free of ‘category 1’ hazards, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

  • Criterion B – A home must be in a reasonable state of repair.

Homes will fail against this criterion if:

  • one or more key building components is not in a reasonable state of repair, or
  • two or more other building components are not in a reasonable state of repair
  • Criterion C – A home must provide core facilities and services.

To meet this criterion, flats must provide at least 3 of the following facilities:

  • a kitchen with adequate space and layout
  • an appropriately located bathroom and WC
  • adequate external noise insulation
  • adequate size and layout of common entrance areas for blocks of flats

To meet this criterion, houses must provide at least 2 of the following facilities:

  • a kitchen with adequate space and layout
  • an appropriately located bathroom and WC
  • adequate external noise insulation

Homes must also be equipped with child-resistant window restrictors, which can be overridden by an adult, on all windows which present a fall risk for children.

  • Criterion D – A home must provide thermal comfort.

To meet this criterion, homes must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. This includes ensuring homes meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

  • Criterion E – A home should be free of damp and mould.

Homes will be non-decent if a landlord has not remedied damp and mould.

More information will be published in ‘due course’ on the following areas:

  • detailed guidance on the new DHS (including MEES)
  • bring forward the legislation and regulation to bring the new DHS into force within the SRS and PRS by 2035
  • publish the SRS MEES government response and associated Impact Assessment shortly

5. MHCLG Social Housing Policy Progress Update

At the end of January 2026, the Government published a progress update to its social housing policy.

The policy will have implications for both registered and non-registered social housing providers, such as almshouse charities. As part of this, the Government has also published a new Direction on the Rent Standard (2026) for registered providers. It permits annual rent increases of up to CPI+1% on social rent and affordable rent homes from 1 April 2026

It also reflects introduces a rent convergence mechanism from April 2027, where registered providers will be able to increase weekly rents for social rent homes that are below formula rent by up to an additional £1 on weekly rents each year over and above CPI+1% from 1 April 2027, and by up to an additional £2 on weekly rents each year over and above CPI+1% from 1 April 2028, until formula rent is reached.

6. National Planning Policy Framework

Reminder: National Planning Policy Framework consultation deadline of 10 March 2026.

Our work to secure recognition of almshouses as affordable housing therefore continues. The Association is asking Members to respond to the NPPF consultation and/or write to their MPs to support our campaign to have almshouses recognised as affordable in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Please see

  • Nick Phillips talking about the NPPF in a short video
  • our NPPF campaign post which includes our consultation response and a template letter to MPs here.

posted 9 February 2026