Ceremonial bread presentation tradition continues

The recently revived traditional Richard Smith for Bread donation of bread to almspeople took place on Wednesday 17 May outside 6 Guild Cottages Almshouses, Church Street Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Mayor of Stratford Gill Cleeve undertook this tradition of the giving out of the bread.

“Municipal Charities do a marvellous job of providing accommodation for 47 residents in their almshouses and it’s great to be able to continue this ancient tradition of giving out bread from the Richard Smith charity for Bread”
The Mayor Gill Cleeve

Richard Smith left money in his will of 14 June 1695 for the distribution on bread to “eighteen poor people”. Now, each year, the Richard Smith for Bread Charity receives a donation of £30 from the Governors of King Edward VI Grammar School for distribution of bread to alms people.

The Chief Officer William Clemmey said,

“We are grateful to Mor Bakery for providing the bread for the revival of this tradition. We offer our residents housing as well as grants at Christmas and Easter together with a range of outings throughout the year. If you know anyone who would like to become a resident then do get in touch”

The photograph shows the Mayor distributing bread to two of the residents accompanied by two trustees and two staff from Municipal Charities.

Anyone wishing to become a resident should get in touch with the Charity at the Guild Cottages address or by email to chiefofficer@municipal-charities.org.uk or via their website https://www.municipal-charities.org.uk/.

posted 24 May 2023

Almshouses in the national news!

Today in the Guardian, journalist Amelia Hill explores almshouses and the impact they are having on their residents.

‘Affordable and stress free’: how almshouses are the unsung heroes of UK social housing

She writes:

Every morning after he gets up, Gary Hiercock presses a green button outside his bedroom. That’s how the warden of his Leicester almshouse knows he’s up and about – that he hasn’t had a fall or become ill overnight.

“It’s just one example of how everything is thought of here: nothing is left to chance: everyone is safe at every moment of the day,” said the 71-year-old former department store manager. “I have absolutely no worries at all here. I’m completely content.”

Hiercock has lived in the Wyggestons Almshouses in Leicester for just over a year, since his partner of 53 years had to go into a care home with advanced Alzheimer’s.

“I start every day feeling happy and grateful to be here,” he said. “I was very isolated where I lived before but here, everyone is so friendly. If I’m ever feeling a bit lonely, I just need to go for a stroll and I’ll come across someone to do something with.”

To read the article in full, please click on the link here:

See also:

[Top photo: Kim and Terry Baxter at the second viewing of their new almshouse flat in Southwark, London. Photograph: Sean Smith/The Guardian]

posted 22 May 2023

Study finds living in an almshouse can boost life expectancy

Living in an almshouse can boost the longevity of its residents by as much as two-and-a-half years compared to their counterparts in the general population, according to a new Bayes Business School report.

Almshouses provide affordable community housing for local people in housing need. They are generally designed around a courtyard to provide a ‘community spirit’, that is synonymous with the almshouse movement. They offer independent living but provide friendship and support when needed.

Analysing up to 100 years’ worth of residents’ records from various almshouses in England, the research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups, particularly those individuals who are living in isolation.

The results are very encouraging. They show that, for several of the almshouses included in the study, residents can expect to live as long as wealthier members of the general population despite coming from the most deprived quintile. This shows that the disparity in longevity and health outcomes could be mitigated even after reaching retirement age, provided a suitable social infrastructure can be put in place.
The report, authored by Professor Ben Rickayzen, Dr David Smith, Dr Anastasia Vikhanova and Alison Benzimra, concludes that almshouses could help the Government’s aims to reduce inequalities in mortality, which are observed between socioeconomic groups, by reducing the social isolation experienced by many in the older population.

“We are delighted to read this report. It is further evidence that the almshouse model – 1,000 years after its inception – seems to be adding something special to the lives of residents. There is a growing body of research that is suggesting this model of community housing seems to be right for the future. This must now beg the question, where are the philanthropists to lead this robust charity housing model into the next century?”
Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association

“It is well known that, on average, the lower a person’s socioeconomic status, the lower their life expectancy. However, intriguingly, our research has found that this doesn’t have to be the case. We discovered that many almshouse residents receive a longevity boost when compared to their peers of the same socioeconomic status from the wider population. More research is needed to ascertain exactly what factors cause almshouse residents to have a longer life; however, we postulate that it is the sense of the community that is the most powerful ingredient. For example, a common theme within the almshouses included in the study is that they encourage residents to undertake social activities and responsibilities on behalf of their fellow residents. This is likely to increase their sense of belonging and give them a greater sense of purpose in their everyday lives while mitigating against social isolation.

We would encourage the Government to invest in retirement communities, such as almshouses, which would be in keeping with their overarching levelling up agenda. While this agenda is commonly associated with enhancing equality on a regional basis, it is important that levelling up should also aim to combat health inequalities experienced by people from lower socioeconomic groups across the country. There is an opportunity to improve the Government’s levelling up agenda by incorporating the best features of communal living into their social housing policy. This should make a significant difference to the quality of life experienced by the older population across the UK.

The findings from this research are important as they could offer solutions to the social care problems currently being experienced in the UK.” Professor Ben Rickayzen, Professor of Actuarial Science at Bayes Business School

‘Almshouse Longevity Study – Can living in an almshouse lead to a longer life?’, the report’s key findings are:

Residents in almshouses in England receive a longevity boost relative to people of the same socioeconomic group from the wider population.
The best-performing almshouses in the study so far have shown a longevity boost which increases life expectancy to that of a life in the second-highest socioeconomic quintile – a remarkable outcome.
As an example, the authors estimate that a 73-year-old male entering an almshouse such as The Charterhouse today would receive a longevity boost of 2.4 years (an extra 15% of future lifetime at the point of joining) compared to his peers from the same socioeconomic group, and 0.7 years when compared to an average 73-year-old from the general population.
This longevity boost could be due to both the strong sense of community and social belonging within almshouses which lead to better physical and mental health. Enhanced wellbeing helps to mitigate loneliness which is endemic in older age groups.

“Many almshouse trustees and staff members anecdotally believe that almshouse living is beneficial for residents. The results from this study demonstrate that the community spirit provided by almshouses does in fact result in longer life expectancy. These findings are encouraging to those living and working in the almshouse community and provide the motivation to continue to explore what it is about almshouses’ physical design and support services that result in positive outcomes for older residents. This study strengthens the case that this historic form of housing is addressing the evolving needs of older people living in our modern-day society.”
Alison Benzimra, a co-author of the report and Head of Research at United St Saviour’s Charity

“It’s been great to support this piece of work and to see it take its place in the wider body of work about the characteristics of age-friendly living spaces and supportive communities. A one-hundred-year life is now a realistic expectation and we need to build on this learning to create the homes and communities that will be so important for the health and wellbeing of us all.”
Susan Kay, Chief Executive of Dunhill Medical Trust

“Moving to Hopton’s Gardens has been a godsend. To have a roof over my head has helped me to deal with my addiction issues, and having the support from the staff and my neighbours has made my recovery possible.”
Nigel Hulme, a resident of the United St Saviour’s Charity almshouse, explained how much living in the almshouse has helped him in his later years:

Bayes Business School (formerly Cass)

Bayes Business School is a leading global business school driven by world-class knowledge, innovative education, and a vibrant, diverse community. The School has been at the forefront of business education for more than 50 years, developing leaders who help businesses thrive through change and uncertainty.

Located in the heart of one of the world’s top financial centres, the School has strong links to both the City of London and the thriving entrepreneurial hub of Tech City.

www.bayes.city.ac.uk

The Almshouse Association

Almshouses are a charitable form of self-sufficient, low-cost community housing that is held in trust for local people in housing need. They are managed and run by almshouse charities made up of local volunteers and have been in existence for over 1,000 years.

Today, over 36,000 people are living full and independent lives in almshouses, finding friendships, well-being, safety and security inside their walls and within their communities. Through representation, fundraising, donations and legacies, The Almshouse Association is working hard with local authorities and the Government to make it possible for many more to be built as well as securing the heritage of these historic buildings.

www.almshouses.org

Why Derby’s almshouses are still important today

Writer for Great British Life, Louise Jones, discovers how Derby’s oldest charity is evolving to meet modern needs and explores why Derby’s almshouses are still important today.
Published 21st March 2023

[Top image: Liversage Almshouses, London Road, Derby (Image: Flickr, (CC BY 2.0))]

‘The Liversage Trust has the distinction of being Derby’s oldest charity.

Established in 1529 during the reign of Henry VIII by Robert Liversage, a Derby businessman, the Trust is an Almhouses Charity which offers accommodation, care and grants to Derby residents in need.

The history of almshouses can be traced all the way back to medieval times, when religious orders were responsible for cared for the poor. Originally known as ‘bede houses’, the oldest almshouse foundation still in existence is believed to be the Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester, founded circa 990. By the mid-1500s, around 800 bede houses were in existence across the country, however Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries meant many were either sold to landowners or simply left to ruin.

Derbyshire’s Liversage Trust has come a long way since its formation in Tudor times.

Now, nearly half a millennium later, it has a varied, well managed, professional property portfolio comprising 160 Almshouses, a 40-bed care home and a variety of commercial units and residential properties across the city of Derby that provide the charity with a steady and consistent income stream to enable its continuity.

As you’d expect from a charity with such history in the local area, the Trust makes a significant contribution to Derby’s proud heritage. It has maintained almshouses in the area since the 17th century, including many important and historically-significant buildings, but most of the homes within its portfolio were built in the 1900s.

This portfolio has now been managed, conserved and developed by Matthew Montague Architects for over four decades; initially by Montague Architects and subsequently by Matthew Montague Architects.

Paul McLocklin, now consultant architect with Matthew Montague Architects, has been working with The Trust for much of that time. In 1976, Paul was the architect responsible for an extensive refurbishment programme of the Trust’s Nottingham Road Estate. Little did he know that, 40 years later, he would lead the team to complete another refurbishment of the same estate which is now one of the city’s most important conservation areas.

Paul was again integral to another project of note, the conversion of the former Liversage Arms into apartments in 2012. At this time, the public house was disused and in a very poor state of repair. Yet it was, and remains, an important element of the Nottingham Road Estate. An extensive restoration programme saw the building converted into six apartments and the conversion received several prestigious conservation awards.

_{Almshouses have existed across England since Tudor times (Image: Rob Atherton/Getty Images Plus)}

Following the successful completion of this scheme, another building on Nottingham Road was converted, creating a further eight units, which was completed in 2017.

“The Liversage Trust was my first job, I was a junior with T.H. Thorpe & Partners at the time,” says Paul. “It has been a real privilege to see The Trust – so important to Derby – develop and grow over the years and I am proud to have played a part. Some of the jobs have not been without their challenges but I wouldn’t change a thing, it is a fantastic institute within the city.”

The flagship London Road Almhouses, constructed in 1836, are Grade II listed and are landmark buildings within Derby. In order to preserve and enhance these important listed buildings, they are naturally subject to strict restrictions and conditions for maintenance, repair and restoration. The homes remain in high demand and occupancy levels are consistently at 100%. However, the needs of clients are changing and The Trust is invested in preserving the properties for the future.

To that end, last year was a milestone year for the charity, with the Board of Trustees agreeing to explore renovation works for the city’s Almshouses.

_{London Road almshouses (Image: Matthew Montague Architects)}

“London Road is a flagship site for The Trust, it was built in the 1830s and has provided homes for Derby residents for a long time”, adds Andy Mellors, general manager at The Trust, “however, expectations and requirements have changed. We want to be able to continue to rent the houses and in order to do that, we need to modernise and improve them for the next 100 years.”

The cottages, for example, currently have steep, narrow stairs, small kitchens that can’t be equipped with washing machines (the facilities are currently communal) as well as out-dated heating systems.

Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects (MMA) have completed feasibility works to evaluate the possibilities and future proof the homes. The exterior of the buildings cannot be changed. Designs and plans have been compiled to reconfigure the internals of the properties, reducing the number of units whilst making significant improvements, offering residents more space.

MMA are currently working with Historic England on all stages of the project prior to any pre-app being submitted to Derby City Council.

“London Road is an important part of Derby’s heritage,” says Matthew Montague. “Though the works are complicated, they will preserve the almshouses for the future’”

Many years ago, the same site had its own mortuary, now the main offices for The Trust. In order to not reduce the number of homes available on London Road, the proposed plans will convert these buildings and the communal laundry into bungalows; reducing only slightly the amount of accommodation available overall.

Plans are now afoot to convert the current offices, which will see the offices relocate to Alice Street, part of the Nottingham Road Estate, where The Trust currently has a workshop.

With the Trust currently employing 55 people, the new offices will also allow it to potentially expand the team and grow resources.

Planning Permission has been granted by Derby City Council to convert the existing workshop/storage buildings on Alice Street into offices, a new workshop and stores for the Trust’s maintenance team, including demolition of the storage building to the east of the site and the construction of a parking courtyard.

The existing building will be converted sympathetically with its original appearance, maintaining the character of the conservation area by the careful selection of replacement windows and doors, matching slate roof and reuse of existing openings where possible.

_{The gates to the current Liverage Trust offices (Image: Flickr, (CC BY 2.0))}

As well as its undoubted legacy, the Trust is also for the here and now.

It offers grants to those in need of financial support, with the current cost of living crisis significantly increasing demand, with the new offices enhancing its ability to respond to the rising demand for support.

“The pandemic was a difficult time, we continued working and protected our residents and clients as best we could, although we did see a decrease in demand for our services,” concludes Andy Mellors, general manager at the Liverage Trust.

“The cost of living crisis on the other hand has seen a massive increase in demand for services and grants, and we significantly increased the number of grants given in 2022.”

“The stronger the Trust is, the more capable we are to help more people. These developments are all key parts of the plan to strengthen our future. Plans do not stop there. We have ambitious longer-term plans too, with a commitment to increasing the number of almshouses in our portfolio, and feasibility studies have been prepared for other sites the Trust owns. It’s an exciting time for the Trust.”‘

Sutton Coldfield’s refurb completed

£870,000 refurbishments to almshouses in Sutton Coldfield completed.

by Matthew Panter
in Express and Star, 26 April 2023

A second phase of work has been completed on Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s Almshouses, which have undergone an £870,000 refurbishment to upgrade the residents’ facilities, the Guest Room and the Wardens’ accommodation.

The almshouses are a combination of bungalows and maisonettes located at Lingard House in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield and are typically designed for individuals over 60 years old. Currently, the properties house a total of 52 residents and create a safe and welcoming environment for both single and married couples.

The project has been fully funded by the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and has provided the refurbishment of 46 homes in total. During the refurbishments, residents were moved into the vacant estate properties whilst Logmoor, the contractor, undertook work on the kitchens and bathrooms.

Pam Johnston MBE JP, Almshouse Manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the second phase of the Almshouse refurbishments and for the residents to be able to settle back into their properties. The Trustees are consistently looking to maintain the Estate to the highest quality and the provision of upgraded kitchens and bathrooms will allow our residents to have a functioning, yet welcoming space to call home.”

Renter’s (Reform) Bill – are almshouse charities impacted?

The purpose of The Renters’ (Reform) Bill* that was introduced to Parliament this week, sets out the government’s plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector, including abolishing section 21 “no fault evictions”.

While of course the devil is always in the detail, on this 1st reading, the Bill is specifically directed at landlords in the private rented sector and is not relevant to almshouses which, of course, operate under charity law.

We will, however, continue to monitor Government Bills such as this whilst maintaining good communication with MPs and Civil Servants and we will, of course, keep you advised of changes that may impact your almshouses.

*Long title “A Bill to make provision changing the law about rented homes, including provision abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies; imposing obligations on landlords and others in relation to rented homes and temporary and supported accommodation; and for connected purposes.”

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

posted 18 May 2023

Local Authorities: letters of support

On occasions the Association is asked by our member almshouse charities to provide letters of support to their local authorities which we are happy to do.

These often entail matters such as requests for funding, planning applications or issues concerning residents’ claims for benefits.

It is often found that councils need to be informed about the unique nature of almshouse charities and the way in which they operate in order that such requests may be fairly considered. To this end a letter from the Association (click here to view) has proved to be beneficial, so please do not hesitate to contact us should you have need.

We will, of course, be happy to adapt and expand upon the contents of the letter to allow for specific circumstances.

posted 18 May 2023

Andover Acre Almshouse renovations begin

Kiran Sajan, reporter for the Andover Advertiser recently wrote an article on the renovations taking place at Andover Acre Almshouses.

ALMSHOUSES in Andover are undergoing renovations nearly three years after the last resident departed.

The Acre Almshouses in Adelaide Road are being brought up to the standard which is suitable for people to live in after plans to replace the building with a flat complex were rejected.

In 2012, Andover Charity Trustees, which operates the almshouses, had proposed plans to demolish the current four-home building and replace it with a new complex that would treble the number of available flats.

But these plans were scrapped in 2019 when Test Valley Borough Council rejected the application, despite the site being in very poor condition.

Now, the Andover Charity Trustees has begun the renovation of the Victorian-times building, which has “consistently been a very damp property”.

Andover Charity Trustees chairman Cllr Nick Lodge said the building is very old and the building fell into such disrepair that the charity could no longer allow people to live there.

“It took a lot of work to establish the things that needed to be done. It’s a very substantial renovation for the building. And then we had trouble finding builders during the pandemic. So it’s been a long time, but work has begun now. DH Property is doing the work for us and it will be a complete refurbishment. Even the walls, the ceilings and the floors are going to be restructured inside and we’re aiming to have it finished by about July. The four flats, which would suit one or two persons, will be ready by then and we’ll be letting them as almshouses as soon as we possibly can.”

The councillor said the charity had to wait until the last person had left to begin the renovations. But during the pandemic years, the trust found it hard to get builders.

“It was a much longer period than we’d really expected but we’re pleased to be doing the work now. By about July we hope to be advertising for new residents.”

Andover Charity Trustees is an independent charity that has 19 almshouses in Andover.

Besides the four in Adelaide Road, the charity has another 14 almshouses in Borsberry Close.

24th March 2023, Andover Advertiser

Responding to MP letters

Question time in Parliament is bringing to the fore the increased government focus on the Social Housing, Affordable Housing and Private Rented Sector.

MPs are seeing a rise in complaints from tenants about housing conditions that they must act on (see recent example of a Q&A at the end of this article). Almshouse charities could find themselves in the position of receiving a letter of complaint from their local MP on behalf of a resident, to which they must respond.

We are in no doubt that members will always respond in their usual positive and courteous way, however, we have been asked to give a quick bullet point check list that some may find useful.

If you receive a letter from your MP acting on behalf of a complainant:

Respond quickly – a speedy response often takes the frustration out of a situation and allows the MP to see that you are treating it as a priority.
If you need time – respond positively but say you will investigate thoroughly and respond by …………. Give a date you are confident you can meet.
Investigate the complaint or ask further questions of the MP.
Once investigated, if the complaint is already resolved, check with all parties concerned and be brief but clear in your response, thanking the MP for their interest.
If the complaint is fair and as yet unaddressed, try to resolve the situation, then, once you have done so, inform the MP that it is either being resolved or has been. Giving a brief outline of the situation if needed.
Remember, when you receive a letter from an MP, they are doing their job, taking up cases on behalf of their constituency and they may not be aware of the detail or fully understand the situation relating to almshouses. Your response may reassure and impress them and this may actually be a good opportunity to engage with your MP. In the moment, it does not feel like a positive situation but inviting the MP to the almshouse to meet you and meet your residents may have a beneficial long term outcome.
If you are concerned – if the complaint is genuine and you don’t have an answer – please call us and we will work with you on a solution.

Business Questions: Social Housing Providers

Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): Many of my constituents have written to me with concerns about unsuitable living conditions in properties owned and run by Sanctuary. My casework team has written to Sanctuary many times and I wrote to the chief executive six weeks ago, but there has been no response. I know that many other MPs and councils have raised concerns about the unresponsiveness of that organisation. Can we have a debate about the responsiveness of social housing providers, who do, after all, provide a very important public service?

Penny Mordaunt: I thank the hon. Lady for her remarks. The moral of the story is that when the chief execs of such social housing providers receive letters from Members of Parliament, they would do well to reply to them in good time, otherwise Members of Parliament will come to the Floor of the House and name the social housing provider, and the Leader of the House of Commons will be forced to write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to make sure that they have heard Members’ concerns. I wish the hon. Lady well and we stand ready to assist her in getting the matter resolved for her constituents.

posted 15 May 2023

King Charles III Coronation Tea Parties!

We have some wonderful photos coming in from our members of their Coronation celebrations!

Above and below, residents, trustees, family and guests were joined by the Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Gary Norman as well as the Garston Gallopers Morris Dancers at Donnington Hospital Trust’s Coronation Tea.

At Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity, the Coronation was celebrated with a lunch for residents.

This fabulous photo shows trustees Anna Daniell and Wendy Allen serving homemade cream scones to resident, Mrs Edith Lee – aged 102!

Everyone dressed up for the special occasion!

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At Thomas Watson Cottage Homes in Barnet, Hertfordshire they marked the occasion with a Coronation tea and the planting of two trees by Mrs. Jenny Harrold, Chairman of Trustees, and Mrs Yvonne Kelly, one of the almshouse’s longest-serving residents.

And residents and staff of Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with a day of events at Lancaster House, Leicester.

The charity provided a hog roast to over 100 residents of the almshouses and care home along with specially commissioned cupcakes and refreshments.

Despite the poor weather the residents enjoyed the music from a local jazz band and watched the Coronation in the new Lancaster House facilities including in the impressive Duchy Lounge, named to honour the Charity’s unique relationship with the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster.

We look forward to receiving more of your stories and photos !