The spiritual lives of residents

Reverend Michael Jackson, who was a director of St John’s Winchester Charity for 26 years, recently published a book on spirituality. He shared his thoughts with The Almshouse Association on the great importance of spiritual development alongside physical and mental health

“If almshouses are to provide holistic care then it is of great importance that residents have the opportunity to nurture their spiritual lives as well as their physical and mental health. Indeed that was often a particular focus of those who established almshouses. Much has been written about the economic and healthcare implications of our ageing population, but it remains of great importance that we do not overlook the spiritual development of residents.
For twenty six years I was director of St. John’s Winchester Charity, one of the oldest members of the Association, which with its own medieval chapel has a long tradition of Christian care. I was also on the Executive Committee of The Almshouse Association for some years representing Hampshire charities. I was ordained as an Anglican priest during my time at the Charity and as a non-stipendiary minister assisted in a benefice outside Winchester whilst continuing my full time job at St. John’s. I developed an interest in what helped our residents to cope in later life, and was particularly interested in the role faith played in this. During my time at St. John’s I led a number of conferences and workshops exploring these issues. One such conference which I chaired for The Association in 2005 was entitled ‘The Spiritual Care of Older People’ and held at St. John’s Hospital Bath. It was always my hope to write more fully about this subject, but that has taken longer than I envisaged because after retirement from St. John’s I spent some years as house for duty vicar of a parish in the Yorkshire Dales. My book has though now finally seen the light of day. It is entitled Still Love Left: Faith and Hope in Later life,* and has a foreword by the Bishop of Leeds.
Still Love Left draws inspiration from poets, writers and Christian theologians to help readers embrace old age in ways that strengthen their faith and build a deep sense of hope in later life. It explores the theme of ageing and spirituality from the perspectives of past, present and future. Through these lenses I consider the spiritual gains which help us to approach old age positively and the qualities which most exemplify a fulfilled old age. I have tried to meld my own experience with current thinking on the subject and to draw insights from a wide range of literary sources.
I am deeply inspired by the way faith and literature engage with each other so draw on poets and novelists as readily as theologians! It is a short book but written with a view to slow reading and reflection. I hope it might inform both trustees and staff of almshouse charities and also residents interested in exploring this subject. “
The Reverend Michael Jackson

[*Still Love Left: Faith and Hope in Later life is published by YouCaxton Publishers at £9.99 and details can be found on their website: https://www.youcaxton.co.uk/still-love-leftmichael-jackson/]

Posted 18 Jan 22

Isolation period changes

The Government has announced that from Monday 17^th January 2022, anyone with coronavirus can end their isolation after 5 full days as long as they test negative on days 5 and 6.

Under the new rules, those who test positive can leave isolation after two consecutive negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart. Should you not receive a negative test of day 5 and 6 you can continue to test until you get two consecutive negative tests or until you have isolated for 10 days, whichever occurs first. For example, if you test negative on days 6 and 7 you can leave isolation. More information can be found here.

Posted 17 January 22

Policy & Governance: 17.01.22

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable.

Please find below our latest summary:

Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

New building safety measures announced – The government has announced a new £4bn fund for 11-18m buildings to cover the costs of remediating unsafe cladding. The fund will be made up of contributions from developers. More information can be found here.
Commencement of the Fire Safety Act – The Secretary of State confirmed that the Fire Safety Act will commence shortly. When the act comes into force, it will extend fire safety responsibilities to cover all external walls and common parts, including doors to individual flats, in any multi-occupied building regardless of height.

Wales

Moving to alert level zero – The Welsh Government has announced the steps it will take to remove restricts put in place in response to the rise of the omicron variant of coronavirus. Measures include the removal of restrictions on outdoor activities. More information can be found here.

Coronavirus

Changes to isolation period in England – From Monday 17^th January people with coronavirus can end their isolation after 5 full days as long as they test negative on days 5 and 6.
Under the new rules, those who test positive can leave isolation after two consecutive negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart. Should you not receive a negative test of day 5 and 6 you can continue to test until you get two consecutive negative tests or until you have isolated for 10 days, whichever occurs first. For example, if you test negative on days 6 and 7 you can leave isolation. More information can be found here.

RECORD OF 2021 Policy and Governance updates:

Policy & Governance update – 19 July 21
Policy & Governance update: 5 July 21
Policy and Governance update – June 2021
Policy and Governance update – May 2021
Policy and Governance update – April 2021
Policy and Governance update – Mar 2021
Policy & Governance update – Feb 2021
Policy and Governance update – Jan 2021

Posted 17 Jan 22

121 DAHMA residents receive Christmas vouchers

Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes almshouse residents making news in The Northern Echo!

28th December 2021 by Andrew White @apwecho Audience and Content Editor

“As part of a yearly tradition, Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA) has presented £25 gift vouchers to 121 almshouse residents who are aged 90 and over. DAMHA contributes £10 to the vouchers and the rest is provided by The Almshouse Association, the support charity representing over 1,600 almshouses in the UK. DAMHA is the largest almshouse in the UK.

In total, this means £3025 worth of vouchers are being handed out this year. Among those receiving a voucher was 90-year-old John Rutherford, from Witton Gilbert, who said:

“This was the first time I have received a voucher, so it was a lovely surprise.”

Paul Mullis, chief executive of DAMHA, said:

“We are delighted to have been able to continue the tradition, with support from The Almshouse Association, of giving vouchers to our nonagenarian residents and we hope they enjoy spending them”

In total, 688 almshouse residents over the age of 90 received Christmas vouchers from The Almshouse Association in Christmas 2022.
The money was gifted to The Almshouse Association many years ago in the form of a legacy for the provision of presents at Christmas for almshouse residents. The Association invested the money and we are very happy to have been able to continue this wonderful tradition for the past 70 years.

We hope to be able to carry on doing this for many years to come, however this year for the first time, the Association has needed to top up the fund to ensure that as many 90+ year old residents as possible receive a Christmas gift.
If you would like to support the Christmas Fund or you are thinking about leaving a legacy in your will, please do get in touch.

posted 10 January 2022

Tenant Satisfaction Measures: Government Survey

The Association is seeking members’ views (Registered Providers and interested non Registered Providers) on a Government Consultation on the introduction of Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) for Registered Providers.

The aim of these measures is to:

“give tenants meaningful information about their landlord and help the regulator ensure that landlords meet the new consumer standards.”

Full information on the consultation can be found here.

Members will note that the document references “landlords” and “tenants” throughout, but the Regulator is well aware of the unique status of almshouses and uses these terms as a catch-all. We are keen to see what elements of the proposed changes may be suitable for almshouse charities to adopt as best practice, without infringing on the almshouse model itself.

So that we can develop a response which represents the view of the membership we would welcome input from all our members, this will affect Registered Providers, but we welcome views from non-Registered Providers on this issue. It is important to consider:

Do you agree with the suggested changes and why?
What impact would these changes have if implemented?
How would the changes impact the unique status of almshouses?

To help you we have created a briefing which summarises the main points of the consultation.

We would ask for any contributions to be made by February 1^st 2022 to jackbaldan@almshouses.org so that we can complete our submission and allow time for members to scrutinise it. Thank you for you time and contributions.

Posted 10th January 2022

Garden Parties Galore!

As we draw a close to 2021, the year of The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary of supporting and representing almshouse charities, the stories and photographs of celebrations from almshouse charities all of the UK are still coming in.

It gives us great pleasure to share more happy ocassions with you ….

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst were one of the first almshouse charities to join in our 75th celebrations and their story made news in the Knutsford Guardian

Rick Dallimore, chairman of the Marjorie Hurst Trust, said:

“The tea party was attended by 20 residents and friends along with trustees. It was a real success with homemade scones and cakes and a good deal of talk over many cups of tea. The sun shone and everyone had a good time. After such a long time in lockdown it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet in a relaxed and happy way.”

The oldest resident aged 98 joined the celebration.

“We have a lot to thank Marjorie Hurst for,” said Rick. “She left four cottages to the trust and some money.Now thanks to the hard work of Cllr Bert Grange we have six flats as well. He was a very popular man with lots of vision and determination. Many Knutsfordonians will remember him well”.

Garden party celebrates generous bequest of cottages and flats | Knutsford Guardian

Kathryn Warner, Clerk to the Trustees, Charity of Ann Edwards Diocese of Gloucester wrote in:

I just wanted to let you know that we held a small event in the courtyard of Ann Edwards Mews last Friday. We took the opportunity of reasonable weather and the relaxing of Covid restrictions to invite the residents to meet together, admire the beautiful gardens, and welcome the new residents who’ve moved in during and after the lockdowns. A few members of staff, and the scheme gardener, came along too, and we enjoyed tea and cake, sandwiches and crisps provided by the residents, who seemed to enjoy getting together again after such a long time. We also took the opportunity to celebrate 75 years of The Almshouse Association with them. Sadly, I forgot to take any photos in the excitement of the occasion! But I thought you might still like to know what’s been happening!

Double celebrations at The Bakewell Almshouses, St John’s Hospital

Trustees of The Bakewell Almshouses were presented with a donation of £8,000 during their celebrations for the 75^th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

A happy and sunny event was held in the gardens of the South Church Street homes, with plenty of tea and cake!

The Revd. Canon Tony Kaunhoven, chair of the former charities, with Dr Jeff Marsh, trustee of the group, presenting the cheques to the trustees and clerk of The Bakewell Almshouses, along with some of the residents

They also made the local news – twice!

The Bridport Charities almshouses provide accommodation to residents in 13 Flats over two sites.

Trustees and residents enjoy a garden party in the lovely South street garden in July.

The Davenport Homes

The Davenport Homes held an afternoon tea and welcomed their local MP Saqib Bhatti to celebrate the refurbishment and opening of their communal lounge after lockdown, and the 75^th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

L – Mr Bhatti with residents in the refurbished hall; C – Mr Bhatti with chairman David Corney, resident Yvonne Kerr and The Almshouse Association Patron’s Award plaque from 2018. R: Photo 3 Mr Bhatti with trustees. Mike Holford, Graham McGuinness, Jan Cove and Mary Spencer

Drayton Parochial Charities

When resident and trustees met up for the first time in a long time, there was lots of news to catch up on at the party in Abingdon!

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

Tea parties bring Sutton Coldfield residents together

News from The Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT)

Tea Party Events bring almshouse residents together for the first time since the pandemic, as Trust’s Annual Review is released.

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) held a special tea party for residents of its 46 almshouses following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions this autumn.

Almshouse residents, with Pamela Johnston (right)

Guests at the Residents’ Tea Party were treated to afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and music. For some residents, it was their first opportunity to see one another in over 18 months, due to Covid-19.

The Tea Party was one of three separate events organised by almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, with almshouse wardens Marie and Michael. A number of trustees joined Pam at the events, alongside Tina Swani, Chief Executive of the Trust, and trustee Ammo Singh.

Pamela Johnston MBE JP (Almshouse Manager), Tina Swani MBA FCIM (Chief Executive of the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust/SCCT), Ammo Singh (Trustee).

Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston commented: “The residents have greatly missed our regular social gatherings during the past eighteen months, and it was a pleasure to organise the tea parties where they could meet and socialise in person whilst maintaining sensible protocols. I know that they thoroughly enjoyed the events.”

The event coincided with the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

While Covid-19 has seen management exercising extra caution to protect its residents over the festive season, Christmas hampers have also been arranged to spread some cheer amongst almshouse residents.

With 2021 coming to an end, the Trust will also be releasing its 2020/2021 Annual Review, highlighting its many achievements throughout the year. The Review details the total grants awarded, which came to approximately £1.1m in 2021. This includes over £73,000 in school uniform grants, with almost 50% more local families in poverty receiving grants to buy school uniforms in 2021.

For many years, the Trust has supported local residents in sheltered or retirement accommodation with a contribution towards their Festive Celebrations. This year, 21 groups were awarded grants totalling £14,171.

The Trust remains committed to major ongoing expenditure to maintain and improve its almshouses and resident’s facilities. With the release of their Social Needs Review coming in spring 2022, the Trust will gain invaluable insight into Sutton Coldfield’s most vulnerable local communities too, which will heavily influence their long-term strategic decisions and plans. The Trust recognises that the outcome of the Review will be of interest to the wider community and statutory agencies, and therefore aims to hold dissemination events from spring 2022.

170th Anniversary celebration

The Perry Almshouse Charity

Trustees and residents in Winterbourne celebrated the 170th Anniversary of their beautiful Grade II listed almshouses as well as the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

The stunning cake! ©Barbara Evripidou/FirstAvenuePhotography.com

A garden party was held in beautiful sunshine and, to commemorate this very special occasion, a Hawthorn tree was planted by Dee Russell-Thomas, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester.

Dee Russell-Thomas, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester plants the commemorative Tree ©Barbara Evripidou/FirstAvenuePhotography.com

Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, cut a fabulous celebratory cake along with the longest resident, Monica Cannings, who took up residency in 1990.

Jack Lopresti, MP, installs the commemorative plaque©Barbara Evripidou/FirstAvenuePhotography.com

Other attendees included Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and Jack Lopresti MP who installed a commemorative plaque, as well as local South Gloucestershire and Winterbourne Parish Councillors who have given their support to the almshouse charity.

Built and conveyed in 1851 by a local benefactress, Mary Anne Jones, The Perry Almshouse Charity almshouses have been a local landmark and have housed those in need within the ancient parish of Winterbourne for 170 years.

The almshouses were named by Mary out of respect for her grandfather – the local Squire, William Perry.

L: Trustees and residents enjoy lunch; C: Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England and Almshouse resident, Monica Cannings, cut the celebratory cake; R: Revd. Malcolm Strange, Chair of Trustees with Nick Phillips, CEO of the Almshouse Association

Top picture: Monica Cannings (longest resident), Dee Russell-Thomas (Deputy Lord Lieutenant), Jeanette Climmer (guest) and Janet Saunders (resident)

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

Cake and collaboration at the Andros Almshouse Networking event

A beautiful celebratory cake, made by a 95 year old resident, was shared at a successful networking and celebratory event.

The trustees from the Andros Almshouse Charity in South Chailey hosted an informal breakfast network event in September 2021 which took place at Grantham Close, where the charity have 35 flats, currently giving homes to 41 residents.

The event was an outstanding success, and welcomed trustees from local almshouses, including Haywards Heath, Ardingly and East Grinstead.

It was wonderful to meet everyone and hear all about their charities and the history behind them. The outcome of the meeting was unanimous, agreeing that they would like to continue to collaborate, enabling everyone to share knowledge, growing bigger and better and raise the profile of almshouses in their local area and throughout the country.

The trustees of the Andros Almshouse Charity are working closely together to work towards a greener future by looking at heating upgrades, bicycle sheds and electric car points. They are passionate about their carbon footprint and keeping up-to-date with changing developments.

Jill Bailleux (Chair), Pat Stepney (Resident), Kate Ellis (Scheme Manager)

They are also enthusiastic about working closely with The Almshouse Association and want to share practices and experiences with others. With this in mind, they are aiming to become a Regional Champion for the South East region.

They were extremely pleased to host this event in their newly decorated residents centre and enlisted the services of a local caterer who provided an outstanding breakfast using local Sussex produce.

Like many big events this year, their plans for the 75th Anniversary celebrations have had to be postponed to next year. However, they took the opportunity to have a beautiful celebratory cake made by 95 year old resident Pat Stepney, who has lived happily at Grantham Close for 37 years.

They were also joined by many other residents for tea and coffee and to enjoy a slice of Pat’s delicious cake!

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

Wivenhoe Housing Trust

A Celebration Event at Jonathan Feedham Court.

Held on Saturday 18^th September 2021, the event was to mark the completion of the new courtyard with its raised flower beds, new paved surface and seating for the seven residents in this set of almshouses, one of two sets managed by the Wivenhoe Housing Trust.

The trustees also turned it into an opportunity to mark The Almshouse Association’s 75^th Anniversary by choosing a 1940s themed party, which was held in the new courtyard.

Vice chair of the almshouse charity, Bob Needham, brought his colleagues from the Wivenhoe Hoolies to entertain the 30 or so people who came. The Hoolies are a local sea shanty group, which was appropriate as Jonathan Feedham was himself a sea-faring man and whose legacy funded the building of these particular 7 bungalows with preference for people with maritime connections.