2 more residents join the 100 Club!

Double birthday celebrations at Yoakley House as two more residents join the 100 Club

May 19, 2023 Kathy Bailes News 1

Photo credit: The Isle of Thanet News | Yoakley House 100 Club from left to right: Betty Thompson (102), Ruby Holmes (100), Vera Broom (soon to be 100), Betty Farrant (soon to be 100), Ruby Oakes (100), Mary Grieves (102), Lily Stokes (103)

100th birthday celebrations were held for residents Vera Broom and Betty Farrant in May at Yoakley House care home in Margate, bringing the total number of residents in Yoakley House’s 100 club to seven, including Ruby Holmes who still lives independently in one of the almshouses at Drapers!

Vera was born in London and trained in secretarial work- shorthand, typing and accounts. She lived in Hastings and Wales before moving to Cliftonville. She enjoyed travelling and had many holidays abroad. She is very close to her daughter Sheila and has two stepchildren.

Betty was also born in London and trained in secretarial work. She was in the ATS during the war. She was married to her husband Stuart for 70 years and spent many years of her life in Uganda. She has two children and loves golf, badminton and bridge.

Julie Wickenden, Executive Manager, said:

“Yoakley House is home to 28 permanent residents so this is a good percentage of centenarians. We are very proud of our staff and the excellent care they deliver.”

Michael Yoakley’s Charity was established in 1709 and consists of beautiful historic almshouses, gardens and a Quaker meeting room where Elizabeth Fry worshipped in 1845. The residential home was created in 1980 to provide care for almshouse residents who could no longer look after themselves independently.

Mr Yoakley, the founder, was an impoverished farm boy from Margate who went to sea, made his fortune, then returned to give back to his community. Find more on the history at https://yoakleycare.co.uk/about/

The year Vera and Betty were born -1923

King George V was on the throne.

The Prime Minister was Bonar Law (Conservative) and the Stanley Baldwin (Conservative)

26 April – Wedding of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) in Westminster Abbey

31 July – Liquor Act makes it illegal to sell alcoholic beverages to under-18s.

31 December – the BBC broadcasts the chimes of Big Ben for the first time.

posted June 23

Message from CEO

People land on our shores from often, war-torn countries, families lost and afraid. What these people often wish to cling to, (second only to the freedom to live without immediate fear), are people that remind them of home – a micro community supporting each other. This need to be with others of a shared understanding happens with all of us, but is especially important with every refugee.

This week, the  Government updated the Afghanistan Housing Portal – their description of affordable housing for independent living as stipulated – sounds like the framework of an almshouse model.

Almshouses are usually established for the people in most need as at the time the founder gifts their legacy, and this is such a sacred and valued gift. One could map the changes in needs in society through the almshouse model. From the 10th Century, where almshouses were established for the sick, elderly and vulnerable outside the city walls,  through the periods of leprosy, plague, war, industrial revolution homelessness, strife widows and industrial workers, all the way to today’s most in need.

I wonder if a future almshouse legacy will meet the needs of today’s vulnerable and lonely? Whether they are young people leaving care, young families with no fixed home or refugees. A legacy could go on for centuries offering warmth and hospitality to those most in need.”

Click here to find out more: Afghanistan housing portal – offer accommodation and other support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Nick Phillips CEO The Almshouse Association

The wonder of almshouses in Country Living

We were delighted to read Susy Smith’s recent column, ‘View from here’ in the June 2023 issue of Country Living, especially her opening caption that perfectly captures the almshouse movement message that almshouses are just as important today and in the future as they were in the past :

” They may be like a quaint architectural anachronism, but almshouses could be as relevant today as they ever were”

Her almshouse enlightenment tour came about when “ a low rise, very modern block of flats was built at one end of our high street in 2020. As my daughters were thinking about renting their own place, we eyed it with interest. We liked its contemporary style: simple shape, pale brick construction with striking cut-metal balconies, evidence of a roof terrace and two good cafes beneath. “That would be a cool place to live,” said one of my girls. “I wonder what the flats are like inside.” We never found out for, when I investigated further, I was surprised to learn that the residents in these flats are probably of retirement age, with limited financial means and a strong connection to the area….the flats, it turns out, are almshouses.

“Surely not?’ I thought. Almshouses are, in my experience, splendid historic buildings with interesting features: a clocktower here, a sundial or statue there, and always a stone plaque commemorating the benefactor who bequeathed the land or paid to have them built for the local poor. The ones I know best are the Grade II-listed Rickey’s Almshouses near Richmond in Surrey, which were built in 1834 in the Tudor Gothic style. I pass them regularly -and stop to admire the architectural details. With their over-tall chimneys, stone mullioned windows and impressive crenelated frontage, they certainty cut a dash amid the surrounding shops and suburban housing stock. This new block of flats couldn’t be more different. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further…. “

To read the article in full, please click here.

posted 8 June 2023

Case Studies from Taunton Heritage Trust

The Taunton Heritage Trust is an almshouse charity based in Taunton, Somerset.  We provide 66 almshouse flats in the town for the over 60s in financial need.  All our flats are adapted with the older person in mind and have walk-in showers and a 24-hour care alarm system.  We also provide live-in Warden support. 

[above photo: Grays Almshouse, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1635s | All photo credits: Taunton Heritage Trust]

Each of our sites has the benefit of a community room for the use of residents as well as communal laundries with washers and dryers provided and maintained by the Trust. We ensure our flats and communal gardens are maintained to a very high standard and provide all flooring and white goods in each flat.  We also have guest suites so that our Residents’ friends and relatives are able to visit and stay over at minimal cost.

Each site is a special community in its own right.  We have two very experienced wardens whose role is that of “good neighbour”.  They visit our residents on a daily basis and are able to tailor their visits should a resident need some extra support.  If for example, a resident has recently been unwell, had a fall or come home from a spell in hospital, our wardens are able to keep an extra special eye on that individual to ensure they are fully supported. 

HUISH HOMES, a Grade II listed building built in 1868

Our wardens organise a range of events and activities for the benefit of our residents and this includes regular coffee mornings, film afternoons, fish & chip suppers, race nights, charity fund raisers etc. 

ST JAMES CLOSE, built in 1845 

We never put our residents under any pressure to get involved, and some are very private individuals who like to keep themselves to themselves.  We completely respect that fact but we work hard to ensure that our residents are never socially isolated and always have a friendly face to turn to if they have a problem.

LEYCROFT CLOSE, built in 1931


HISTORY OF TAUNTON HERITAGE TRUST


The Taunton Heritage Trust is an amalgamation, achieved over the last century or so, of a remarkable collection of charitable trusts, funds and bequests originally for the benefit of needy people in Taunton but now extended to the inhabitants of the modern borough of Taunton Deane. Its origins were unknown to a Government Charitable Commission as early as 1611, but by then it was endowed with some fifty properties in the town centre and land in two Devon parishes. The involvement of Civic Officers in the distribution of doles suggests a pre-Reformation origin in the brotherhoods established in the town’s principal church, St Mary’s, in the 15th century.


Charitable housing was part of that same attempt to help the poor in the 15th century, culminating two centuries later in several independent almshouse foundations, two of which, by Richard Huish and Robert Gray, were singularly well endowed. All at different times were supported by and later amalgamated with the Civic Foundation, bringing with them educational interests and as well as a long tradition of sheltered housing coupled with financial support.


Surviving records of the charities tell a story of help given to thousands of the most vulnerable in the town and neighbourhood, and of a succession of townsmen and women and others, giving their time as Trustees to ensuring that the generosity of the past continues to be effective in the future.

The Trust has a fascinating document put together by the Arts Society on the Chapel at Grays Almshouses

click here to view

Due to the very special nature of what we offer at the Taunton Heritage Trust, there is no doubt that some of our residents are able to live independently within our schemes for longer than if they were living elsewhere in the town on your average street. 

Some of our residents are well into their nineties, and because of the sheltered nature of what the Trust provides, are able to still live with dignity and a great quality of life, behind their own front door, in the knowledge that help is always on hand. 

As well as the support that our wardens provide, our residents look out for each other and there is a real sense of belonging and caring.

The following are some special case studies regarding residents, that have been prepared by our wardens.  It is so apparent that our wardens develop a very special relationship with their residents:

“This gentleman joined us in December a couple of years ago.  He had lived in his own mobile home on a site for over 25 years, but on return from hospital, he realised that his home was no longer fit to live in, as it had deteriorated so badly.  It was also unsaleable.

The gentleman was invited in for an interview where he came across as being very independent although his mobility was limited. We felt he was in need and that we could offer him a ground floor flat with 24 hr support through the piper line and warden.  He very happily accepted and was very aware that he would have to arrange a package of care when needed.

This gentleman has now lived independently in his own almshouse for 18 months, and due to his terminal illness, regularly visits the local hospice.  We have been able to provide him with the support to enable him to maintain his independence and dignity and to ensure the final months of his life are comfortable.  He enjoys a daily warden visit.”

In his application he was completely honest and open about his medical condition which is serious and will shorten his life expectancy.  He had a short spell in a Nursing home for respite which he did not enjoy, as he felt that he was far too independent and mobile and not ready for this stage.

“This gentleman joined the Trust in back in 2011, having suffered a massive stroke and that left him with a severe right-side weakness.

On his discharge from hospital, his wife refused him access to his home (which was in her name only) and so he was declared “homeless “by the Local Authority.  They offered him upstairs single room accommodation at a local hotel, which he accepted. He applied to the Trust for a ground floor flat, being totally independent with his personal care, finance and mobility, and was successful,  He remains with us today, living completely independently but enjoying the benefits of 24 hour support through the warden’s visits and the helpline.  There is no doubt that he is extremely happy.”

“Resident M was 61-years-old when she came to the Trust and has been with us for 27 years. She was divorced from her husband before moving to Taunton to be closer to family and friends. In her younger days she worked as a supervisor at Woolworths.

M was given the choice of two vacant flats at the time and she decided to have the smaller one which is our only flat that is still a bedsit with the bedroom and living room together; this was ideal for her as it is in a private location overlooking our lovely gardens.

M is a very quiet, solitary lady and lives a very independent life, but she is one of our characters. She has a very quiet presence yet participates in every event within the community, even if she insists that she ‘can’t be bothered with it’! Our warden usually sets the bait with a homemade cake or something tasty and lo and behold she will always turn up and usually is the first to arrive!  She is encouraged to join in as her life is quite lonely, however, this is the way she likes to live.  She has a poor relationship with her family who have only recently become more supportive since M has been diagnosed with dementia.

At present her mental health is deteriorating but she has surprised us all by accepting help with a carer coming in once a day to prepare lunch and assist with small chores or do shopping. We hope that with the support that we are able to provide, that M will continue to stay with us as long as possible.”

“Resident D has been with us for a year. He is a former homeless man and he is slowly adjusting to a more comfortable life in Trust accommodation. He had been sleeping in an old camper van for over two years and was accessing facilities at a local homeless charity. He was referred to us by a support worker from the homeless charity, initially bringing him along to an Open Morning.  D was very distrustful and both the support worker and members of the Trust staff had to work quite hard to persuade D to take up our offer of a flat. 

D is a single man and gave up his business so that he could care for his elderly parents who have now both died.  He settled in to his flat well, although he still displays traits of having an unconventional lifestyle!  D is a quirky character with a great sense of humour, and he mixes well within our community. He has been offered help with furniture etc, but he prefers to sleep on a camp bed and use only a camping chair.  The Trust has been able to provide him with a stable home in a safe environment and he has built up a good level of Trust with his warden and close neighbours.”

 Mr M is a 68-year-old man who had been living with his partner of 37 years, unfortunately the relationship broke down and his partner had terminated the lease on their rented property giving him a fortnight to find other accommodation. He was working part time as a chef but did not have any savings and was not at that time of pensionable age. He came to the Trust for help on 1st of October in desperate need and very low in mood, fortunately we did have a vacant flat available, but it needed some refurbishment, we basically moved heaven and earth to get the flat ready and Mr M moved in on the 14th of October.

He moved in without a stick of furniture, not even a kettle, we therefore issued him a grant where he was then able to purchase essentials.

Mr M has now been with us for three years and is a model Resident and extremely proud of his flat, he is truly a different man now than he was when we first met. He puts his cheffing skills to good use, often doing barbeques on our event evenings, he is also now in receipt of his state pension, so financially is in a much better position and a very happy man! In a recent conversation I have had with him, he said that moving into his almshouse flat has been the best thing to happen to him, as he is now worry free and no longer in the dark place he was once in.”

Resident D is a 78-year-old widow and arrived in this country from Australia in 2018 courtesy of the Office for Migration. All three of her children are in Australia and whilst living there with her daughter, she tried to get a permanent resident visa so she could be granted state benefits but was unsuccessful. She was staying in temporary accommodation at the time and was referred to the Trust by a local Housing Officer. Being in a community and having the security of living within the Trust appealed to her.

Having no income and few belongings, the Trust granted her money to purchase essential furniture, and after sourcing items from charity shops, it was not long before she adapted and made her little dwelling look lovely and homely. D began to slowly settle in, but her heart was sad because was also still missing her husband who had died four years previously; and then she was forced to leave her family and the new life that she had made.

I referred D to a befriending charity and for a while she appreciated the weekly phone call but was not up for joining in the monthly tea party that they organise. D is a quiet, gentle soul and is very positive lady who enjoys good humour.  She soon developed a friendship with another lady, also a widow living on that site, a rather larger-than-life character who liked to know everyone and everything! They soon became inseparable and started doing everything together: going to the coffee morning that we started up on that site; trips to the local supermarket most days, Trust Christmas events and summer outings; breaking lockdown rules together and sometimes even having a bit of a moan between themselves! It was a good friendship and D appeared very much happier. Sadly, her friend collapsed one day and was taken into hospital. For many weeks D was without her friend who eventually passed away.

The weeks following, D understandably seemed quite low in spirits, so I took more time to chat with her on my visits. For a while she lost her spark again and initially, she expressed no interest in doing much, but over time and with gentle encouragement, I managed to get her to come to the coffee morning on our main site. This was quite daunting for her on her own, so I walked up with her the first couple of times, having made everyone aware that she was joining us. It was wonderfully heart-warming to see how well she was welcomed into the group She sits with her cuppa having a good old natter and now regularly attends many events that myself and the residents organise.

Before her friend died, D volunteered in a local charity shop, and she told me that after lockdown they never asked her back. I could sense her disappointment and rejection and I recently had a conversation with someone who knew D and worked in the shop. The lady told me that they never asked her back because she kept talking to customers. I remarked that to me this would not matter, and it was a shame as D enjoyed the company, and that surely it should be a positive thing to chat to customers and good for business! Knowing this lady well, I knew that my comment would probably be passed on – and it was! D’s face was beaming recently when she told me that the Manager had apologised for not calling her sooner and that would be very pleased to welcome her back!

One last thing – I am awaiting a message from her daughter in Australia who has recently been unwell in hospital and misses her Mum too.  Hopefully, I will be able to arrange for D and her family to facetime soon, and before Christmas as I know this will be very lonely time for her. “

The Almshouse Association is thankful to Taunton Heritage Trust, to the wardens and the residents for sharing their stories with us. If you would like to find out more about the Trust, please visit their website here.

posted June 2023

Damp and Mould Guidance

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has issued guidance on damp and mould which outlines that there are four types of damp:

  • Rising damp
  • Penetrating damp (due to structural defects)
  • Traumatise damp (from leaks/bursts, inside the building)
  • Condensation damp

The main four causes of damp and mould in homes are:

  • lack of ventilation
  • leaks
  • structural
  • and condensation.

Poor ventilation leads to excess moisture being generated, whilst poor insulation such as poor thermal properties of external walls also plays a part. Fuel poverty or faulty heating systems leading to irregular heating potentially lead to damp and mould occurring, as well as other factors. These include leaks and structural defects such as leaking pipes, blocked gutters or a leaking roof. A defective old damp proof course can also potentially cause damp and mould, as can condensation where relative humidity is above 70%. High occupant density in a room should also be avoided in terms of people, pets and plants.

The health risks linked with damp and mould are well documented, including general respiratory effects, allergies, skin infections and eye irritations. While more research is required, other reported symptoms include headaches, lethargy, memory loss and mental health issues. Those with pre-existing health conditions, older people and those with disabilities are most likely to be affected.

It is believed that around 3% of homes in this country are affected by damp and mould in at least one room.

Housing conditions that put people at an increased level of risk tend to be in deprived or polluted areas and when windows are not opened due to concerns about security, noise, or high outdoor pollution. Small room sizes and building disrepair also have a bearing in terms of risk.

There are five legal standards that are relevant to damp and mould in rented homes and whilst almshouses do not, of course involve tenancies, almshouse charities are advised to abide by the following legal standards in their provision of accommodation:

  • The Housing Act 2004
  • The Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
  • The Decent Homes Standard
  • The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015

Should residents report damp and mould in their almshouse, it is important that the level of their vulnerability is assessed to determine whether they are at higher risk. The resident’s vulnerability should be used as a means of prioritising work, damp and mould should be taken seriously and handled sensitively as it could be causing the resident considerable anxiety.

It is important to seek evidence of damp in a building, such as mould, mould odour or water damage in order to assess health risks and the need to take remedial action. When mould is present, it is most likely to be evident in frequently used rooms.

The subject of damp and mould in properties raises the importance of charities ensuring that they are inspected regularly in order that problems may be detected at an early stage and any necessary remedial action taken.

Further reading:
Almshouse Gazette (almshouses.org) – page 10, Combatting the causes and effects of condensation

posted 5 June 2023

Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change

The Almshouse Association and a team of almshouse architects have been working with Historic England over the last few years to see an almshouse guide for trustees and Historic Buildings Officers produced.

We are pleased to be able to inform our membership that they have now issued the draft Advice Note for managing change to historic almshouses and are looking forward to receiving your feedback.

Extract below from Historic England website:


Your chance to have a say on advice and guidance documents we’ve published in draft. Your feedback will help us make our advice and guidance useful.

Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change

This publication gives advice on managing change to historic almshouses. As a building type often of considerable age with a distinctive form generated by their use for housing elderly people, almshouses often have considerable historic and architectural significance. However, their use has subtly changed over time, the kind of residents changing and residents needing better, more contemporary, facilities. It is also essential that residents remain independent in their homes within almshouses for as long as possible.

This advice note suggests how historic and architectural significance can be retained while supplying more comfortable and appropriate housing.

Comments are welcomed on this draft advice note.

Guidance Team

posted 5 June 2023

WW1 Compass returned to almshouse founder’s family

A First World War compass owned by the son of Cardiff shipping magnate, Liberal Party MP and High Sheriff of Monmouthshire Sir William Henry Seager (1862-1941) has finally been returned to his family in Wales. The Cardiff family founded W.H Seager & Co in 1904, a global shipping company which operated from Cardiff docks until the 1960s.

William Seager Jr (known as Willie) a 2nd Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers was killed in action in France in February 1916 aged 23.

In 1939 Sir William Seager established the Willie Seager Memorial Trust in honour of his son, which provided homes to retired seafarers and their wives in Cardiff. The Trust is today an almshouse managed by Aelwyd Housing and continues to provide homes for seafarers and dockworkers.

After Lt Seager’s death, the compass came into the hands of his Regimental Sargent Major George Lockie who served with him on the front. Over 100 years later the compass was inherited by descendants of George Lockie who found it was engraved and set out to find out more about the soldier it had belonged to.

Alan Lloyd a great grandson of George Lockie said

“ We have no idea how our great grandfather came to be in possession of the compass, but once we saw the inscription, we knew we had to find out more about Willie Seager and hopefully return the compass to his family. We were amazed to find he came from a family that was such an important part of Welsh history and his legacy lives on today through the provision of homes for retired seafarers.”

Alan and his cousin Lorraine who both live in England contacted the Willie Seager Memorial Trust which was able to connect them with the living relatives of Willie Seager. The two families met up in March 2023 in Cardiff to exchange the compass, and Alan and Lorraine were given a book about the life of Willie Seager by his great-niece Jane Edmonds.  

Jane Edmonds who lives in Aberystwyth said

“I have no words to say how grateful we are to Alan and Lorraine. They have done a wonderful thing for our family and returned a precious item owned by my great uncle who was so tragically killed in the First World War.”

The Chair of the Willie Seager Memorial Trust Captain Hywel Jones said,

“The return of the compass to Willie Seager’s family was a very moving moment, with lots of tears. We all remembered the sacrifice and legacy of a young man whose name is still spoken every day as we provide homes to retired seafarers in housing need.

Willie Seager’s niece Jane Edmonds intends to take the compass around the UK to show it to Seagar family members, before finding it a suitable home in Wales where it can be viewed by the public.

Posted June 2023

Live longer – live in an almshouse?

“So where are the next community philanthropists coming from?“

By: Nick Phillips CEO | The Almshouse Association | 25 May 2023

“The possible solution to helping create a happy, longer life may have been staring us in the face for one thousand years!

BAYES (Business School) – City University has just released the results of research undertaken to ascertain if people live longer in almshouses.  This study, based on an original report carried out with Whitely Village in Surrey*, highlighted that women did indeed live longer in an almshouse.

The BAYES study follows two leading studies that have recently emerged, the first being The National Institute of Aging** emphasising that loneliness has the equivalent negative health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and the Harvard Study of Adult Development ***(The longest study into well-being), which identifies that friendships and relationships make the difference between a healthy happy life and a restricted unhealthy life. Case made! If we could think of a form of living environment that was designed to encourage community and companionship surely this would be the way forward – the Avant Guard!

Maybe we need to look back to find the solution for the future…..

Almshouses were established from gifts or legacies over the past 1000 years and the almshouse movement is still thriving today. They are run and managed by charities and are available for those in need and often sited in beautiful historic buildings. The almshouses are designed to create communities of people living independently, but together. Each resident has their own cottage or flat but shares a courtyard or common areas with other residents where, on a sunny day, more tea and cake is consumed than at a coronation street party.

The BAYES study has identified, in many cases, people can actually live longer in this type of accommodation. It is widely thought that this small-scale charitable housing model, led by volunteer trustees, can create a warm hospitable community.

Almshouses are the ultimate in direct community action and philanthropy. The next big question is not so much “can the almshouse model make life so much better for those who live in the community?” – but “when and where are the next almshouse charities going to be formed?” The last ‘legacy almshouse’ was established in 1983 – the first in 990 AD and there are 1,700 almshouse charities gifted in between. We need more!

A housing model for local people, exempt from the Right to Buy, in perpetuity for centuries. Where are the philanthropists setting up new almshouses for young people, those leaving care and needing a home and kinship? We have refugees needing the warmth of a small community, people leaving prison with no home and a few pounds in their pocket needing an opportunity to rebuild their lives, and tenant farmers without a home in the rural community. “

To read the report, please click here

P&G update: 25.5.23

Charites Act 2022 – The Charity Commission has published short summaries of the changes due to come into effect in June 2023. The government website advises that updated guidance on these topics will be published on the day the provisions are implemented.

Changes due to be introduced in June 2023

1. Selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land

Charities must comply with certain legal requirements before they dispose of charity land. Disposal can include selling, transferring or leasing charity land. The Act will simplify some of these legal requirements. The changes will include:

  • widening the category of designated advisers who can provide charities with advice on certain disposals
  • confirming that a trustee, officer or employee can provide advice on a disposal if they meet the relevant requirements
  • giving trustees discretion to decide how to advertise a proposed disposal of charity land
  • removing the requirement for charities to get Commission authority to grant a residential lease to a charity employee for a short periodic or fixed term tenancy

The following provisions are expected to come into force by the end of 2023, not in June 2023:

  • the provisions relating to disposals by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • the provisions relating to the taking out of mortgages by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • changes about what must be included in statements and certificates for both disposals and mortgages

2. Using permanent endowment

Put simply, permanent endowment is property that your charity must keep rather than spend.

The Act will introduce new statutory powers to enable:

  • charities to spend, in certain circumstances, from a ‘smaller value’ permanent endowment fund of £25,000 or less without Commission authority
  • certain charities to borrow up to 25% of the value of their permanent endowment fund without Commission authority

Charities that cannot use the statutory powers will require Charity Commission authority.

A new statutory power will enable charities that have opted into a total return approach to investment to use permanent endowment to make social investments with a negative or uncertain financial return, provided any losses are offset by other gains.

3. Charity names

The Commission can currently direct a charity to change its name if it is too similar to another charity’s name or is offensive or misleading. The Act will enable the Commission to:

  • direct a charity to stop using a working name if it is too similar to another charity’s name or is offensive or misleading. A working name is any name used to identify a charity and under which the activities of the charity are carried out. For example, ‘Comic Relief’ is the working name of the charity ‘Charity Projects’
  • delay registration of a charity with an unsuitable name or delay entry of a new unsuitable name onto the Register of Charities
  • use its powers in relation to exempt charities in consultation with the principal regulator

4. Other provisions

The definition of a connected person will be updated to remove outdated language.

Changes that came into force on 31 October 2022

  1. Paying trustees for providing services or goods to the charity
  2. Fundraising appeals that do not raise enough or raise too much.
  3. Power to amend Royal Charters

In addition, the following changes are now in effect:

  • the Charity Tribunal has the power to make “authorised costs orders” following an application by a charity. Read our guidance about decision reviews and the Charity Tribunal
  • the Commission’s scheme-making powers include making schemes for charitable companies
  • trust corporation status is automatically conferred on existing and future corporate charities in respect of any charitable trust of which the corporation is (or, in the future, becomes) a trustee
  • updated provisions relating to giving public notice to written consents and orders of the Charity Commission under various sections of the Charities Act 2011
  • when a charity amends its governing document by parliamentary scheme under section 73 of the Charities Act 2011, the scheme will by default always be under a lighter touch parliamentary process (known as the negative parliamentary procedure)

posted 25 May 2023

Hoarding

What is hoarding?

Hoarding is now recognised as a mental illness known as Hoarding Disorder. It is a complex interplay between social, psychological, and environmental factors.

A person who hoards may:

  • become extremely attached to items and experience great difficulty in getting rid of possessions
  • experience problems in social, occupational, or daily living activities
  • experience distress and have difficulty making decisions
  • fill area with clutter so it can no longer be used as intended
  • find it hard to organise or categorise items
  • find relationships with family and friends are affected
  • keep or collect items of no monetary value
  • present a risk to personal safety and that of others due to hoarding
  • struggle to manage everyday tasks such as cooking cleaning or paying bills

People often do not have the energy to sort thing out and the task becomes overwhelming. Feelings of guilt or shame may prevent people from seeking help or allowing access to their home.

Research with people who hoard has shown that hoarding may be a linked to specific traumatic life events or could be symptoms of another condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, acquired brain injury, dementia, depression, or autistic spectrum disorder.

People who hoard often have logical reasons why they hoard e.g., throwing things away is wasteful, or harms the environment or the item is unique or special or holds special memories or ‘it makes me happy’.

Hoarding may develop over a period of time due to declining health both physically and mentally. Therefore, building relations as early as possible to offer help and support and minimise the hoarding is important.

How can we help and support someone who hoards?

It is important to challenge our own prejudices and assumptions. Everyone is different and we cannot fully understand why an individual hoards. The situation can be frustrating, worrying and difficult. Often, the individual does not want or feel they need help. The following suggestions might help.

  • Educate yourself about hoarding disorder first – it’s a complex condition with no quick solutions.
  • Always use respectful language – don’t refer to things as junk or clutter. The item may hold a special meaning for the person. Use the same language as they do about their possessions.
  • Don’t tell the person what to discard or touch their possessions without consent.
  • Be gentle – you cannot force someone to change their behaviour. Any attempts to do so will make matters worse and is likely to cause distress.
  • Build trust and be patient – this is a slow process and may take many months. Once someone acknowledge they need help it can take a long time before they are ready to make changes. Let them know you are there and are not judging them.
  • Don’t pressure them to let you into their space – as you build a relationship it may help to consider other places you could meet.
  • Help them celebrate small successes  – try celebrating after they clear a small area. The whole task maybe overwhelming so reassure and help them to take things one step at a time.
  • Focus on aspects of safety and well-being – talk about how you can work together to reduce the risk of accidents or eliminate things that could cause harm. This can often start the process off.
  • Do not consider forced clean-ups – focus on a ‘harm reduction strategy’.
  • Don’t make decisions for the person – encourage them to make achievable goals no matter how small.
  • Help them to seek treatment and support – help them know you will support them to seek help when they are ready.
  • Listen to what they want.
  • Always include the person in decisions to call the authorities and explain why this is necessary – they may be reluctant but if you have built a trusting relationship and have focused on safety and well-being this will help.
  • Do not let professionals make surprise visits.
  • With the person’s consent, try to engage family or a friend to give additional support.
  • Record your interventions to enable statutory organisations to have a clear picture of actions taken so far.

What professional help is available?

The person’s General Practitioner can be of help with diagnosis and linking you to other statutory services.

A multi-agency approach is the best way to work with people who hoard. Social services and mental health services can carry out risk assessments and develop risk management plans. They can use the care planning process, or the care programmed approach to try and ‘mitigate the risk of serious self-neglect that can result in significant harm’. Do ask to be included in multiagency meeting or at least send a report on the situation and what action you have taken so far. They can carry out a Mental Capacity Assessment which may help determine if the Court of Protection has the powers to make an order regarding a decision on behalf of an individual. However, application of the Mental Capacity Act can be very complex in relation to self-neglect. Hoarding is a complex issue and often the statutory authorities do not legally have the powers to intervene.

Relevant legislation

  • The Care Act 92014) Statutory Guidance- self neglect is included as a category under adult safeguarding.
  • Mental Health Act (2007)- If a person is believed to have a mental disorder and they are living alone and are unable to care for themselves a magistrate’s court can authorise entry to remove them to a place of safety.
  • Mental Capacity Act (2005) s16(2)(a)- the court of protection has the power to make an order regarding a decision on behalf of an individual. The court’s decision about welfare of an individual who is self-neglecting may include access to assess capacity.
  • Public Health Act (1984) s 31-32- local authority environmental health could use powers to clean and disinfect premiss but only for the prevention of infectious diseases
  • The Housing Act 1988-a landlord may have grounds to evict a tenant due to breaches of the tenancy agreement
  • Article 8 of the Human Rights Act – gives us a right to respect for private and family life. However, this is not an absolute right and there may be justification to override it, for example, protection of health, prevention of crime, protection of the rights and freedom of others.

Thanks to Helen Boyd for providing the above information

posted 24 May 2023