New! Photography competition!*

Are you a budding David Bailey?

As temperatures start to rise across the summer months, we are launching our summer photography competition to coincide with our 75^th anniversary.

The competition is split into themes consisting of:

Generations
Tea and cake
Almshouse pride
Happiness
Flora and fauna
Through the garden gate

You simply choose a theme that your photograph relates to and send the photo to us in jpeg format via email with your name, contact and almshouse charity details to gerryharmon@almshouses.org.

All members are welcome to enter!

The winner will receive a quality garden tool set and £50 Dobbies voucher and the runner up will receive a pair of gardening gloves and £20 Dobbies voucher. Both will receive a commemorative certificate and Almshouse Association pin, as well as coverage on our website and social media channels

The winner and runner up, chosen by a group of judges, will be announced at our afternoon tea garden party on the 8^th September and notified the week commencing the 13^th September 2021.

The closing date for the competition is 4 pm on the 16^th August 2021.

So…. set your shutter speed, polish your lenses, fire up your artistic flare and get clicking!!

We can’t wait to see all your amazing photos!

*Please read our Terms & Conditions for the Photo competition here

Posted 2 June 21

New almshouses in Cheltenham

New ecologically friendly almshouses offer more than a roof over residents heads.

CEO Nick Phillips attended the official opening of four new almshouses at Jesse Mary Almshouses in Cheltenham on 16th July 2021.

The new solar-powered almshouses have been built to a very high standard of comfort and economy, typical of the new generation of almshouses – taking the best of traditional design and incorporating the highest standards of insulation and solar energy in order to reduce the impact on the environment and improve economic resilience.

Amongst the throng enjoying the day were trustees, residents, The Mayor of Cheltenham (who cut the opening ribbon), Councillor Steve Harvey – The Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Sandra Holliday and MP for Cheltenham, Alex Chalk, Assistant Whip and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, Valerie O’Connor, Chairman of Trustees, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and architect and building contractor representatives.

Resident Fran has been living at the Jesse Mary almshouses for 17 years; now 70, she enjoys supporting the older residents and playing her part in the community and neighbourly spirit of almshouses.

“I have loved every single minute of living here and I am very happy. Even if I won the lottery I still wouldn’t want to move!”

In his statement to the BBC, MP Alex Chalk spoke of the vital role almshouses play today in the social and community housing sector.

“Almshouses are a proven model and fill a gap not just in quality affordable housing for those in need but in reducing isolation and loneliness. A powerful model for the future!”

Nick Phillips, commented on the value that almshouses bring to a community and their genuine affordable model.

“These almshouses show what can be achieved by one local charity, established nearly 100 years ago, leading the way locally on not just affordable homes and creating close communities but in environmental construction and design.”

It was a great day enjoyed by all and we even managed to get a spot on the BBC news!

The new almshouses consist of four individual one-bedroom properties, finished to the highest modern standard with open-plan kitchen and underfloor heating throughout. All have ground-level entry with two designed for wheelchair access and equipped with re-enforced ceilings which can accommodate a hoist. State of the art PV panels have been installed to minimise any environmental impact.

They have been built in the grounds of the Jesse Mary Chambers almshouses and complement the existing building which was put up in 1924 under the Will of Mr. Henry David Gregory Chambers, in memory of his sister.

Cheltenham Almshouses & Aid own and manage four almshouse sites across the town with a total of 39 properties and residents

Posted 20 July 21

Refugee resettlement – can you help?

Hospitality Pledge Landlord Search

Krish Kandiah, social entrepreneur, writer, activist, theologian and Chair of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board recently reached out to Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association to talk about the plight of Afghan refugees and to see if any almshouse charities would be able to help.

UK and NATO forces are pulling out of Afghanistan after 20 years. The UK is resettling hundreds of Afghan families who helped us with translation and support services during the conflict that are now facing extreme threat to life.

They are urgently looking for landlords, Housing Associations and private home owners who would be willing to rent out their properties to the local authority for 12 months to help.

If you are interested in helping please click here.

Posted 20 July 21

Policy & Governance: 19.07.21

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:

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

English Housing Survey, 2019 to 2020 – social rented sector – MHCLG has published the English Housing Survey, 2019 to 2020: social rented sector, which reports on the characteristics and circumstances of social renters in England.

Building Safety Bill – The Building Safety Bill has been published (explanatory notes). The Bill takes forward the Government’s commitment to reform the building safety system and changes to the Architects Act 1997, the Housing Act 1996, and will establish a National Regulator for Construction Products and a New Homes Ombudsman.

Charities

Annual Charity Commission research on public trust in charities – The Charity Commission has welcomed research findings suggesting trust in charities is continuing to recover after hitting an all-time low three years ago. But the regulator says trust remains fragile, and that charities must respond to underlying public expectations if they are to fully return to levels of trust last seen a decade ago. Maintaining trust within the communities we serve, through high standards is vital to ensure that our charities continue to receive the support necessary to provide relief to those in need. Almshouses have provided this high standards as cornerstones of the communities they work in for hundreds of years, we must strive to continue this work in perpetuity.

Annual returns – The Charity Commission’s 2021 charity annual return service is now available. The Commission has also updated the document that lists the questions in the annual return: see its Guidance: Prepare a charity annual return.

Covid-19 and charity AGMs – The Charity Commission has updated its Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector in relation to Annual General Meetings disrupted by the pandemic. Specifically: “We recognise that for some charities virtual meetings are not a viable solution, nor are socially distanced face-to-face meetings. In such instances, trustees may consider they have no choice but to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings. If you do consider such a decision is necessary, you should follow any rules in your charity’s governing document that allow for postponement, adjournment or cancellation. If there are no such rules, but you decide that this is still the best course of action for your charity in the current circumstances, you should record the reasons for this decision to demonstrate good governance of your charity. This is particularly important if it is not possible to hold your AGM which may make it difficult for you to finalise your annual reports and accounts.”

Taxation and Finance

Proposed Accounting Direction for registered providers of social housing – The Regulator of Social Housing has published a consultation – closing 21 September – on proposed updates to the existing Accounting Direction. The responses to the Accounting Direction 2019 consultation identified a number of issues that were outside of the scope of the changes proposed at the time. RSH will review the proposed changes to the Accounting Direction in light of the responses received to the consultation. Any changes that may be made to the Accounting Direction will come into force for accounting periods commencing 1 January 2022. Members who are also Registered Providers may wish to respond to the consultation.

Posted 19 July 21

Covid-19 update: July 21

The Government has confirmed that the country will be proceeding to the final stage of the restriction easing on July 19^th 2021.

On 19 July, most legal restrictions will end, removing social distancing and social contact restrictions and enabling remaining businesses to reopen. With cases continuing to rise, however, it is vital that we remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure we can limit the spread of the virus. Those who have previously shielded or have been classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable should consider what additional precautions should be taken, even if you have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Members may now wish to consider how to best manage communal areas if these have remained closed. It is also still recommended that you continue to wear a face mask is crowded areas such as public transport.

Government guidance still encourages us to:

think Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air
take part in free, regular, rapid COVID-19 testing
come forward for vaccination when it is offered.

The Almshouse Association would ask members to assess their own circumstances and consider the most appropriate measures on a case-by-case basis.

Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that most coronavirus rules will end on August 7^thas the country moves to alert level 0.

From July 17^th:

Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seat and up t 200 standing.
Ice rinks can reopen.

From August 7^th:

Nightclubs will be able to reopen.
Face masks will still be required in most indoor places, expect for pubs, restaurants and schools.
Social distancing rules will be removed with venues carrying our individual risk assessments.
People who are fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

Posted 19 July 21

Double celebrations in Sonning!

Robert Palmer Almshouses in Sonning on Thames opened their garden gate to community and companionship for a celebration garden party.

To celebrate their 175th anniversary and the 75^th anniversary of The Almshouse Association, Mike Hart, Chair of the board of trustees and his team held a wonderful summer afternoon garden party at their beautiful almshouses in Sonning on Thames on the 11^th July 2021.

Former Prime Minster, Theresa May and Philip May joined Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association at The Robert Palmer Almshouses for a champagne toast and afternoon tea.

Residents, trustees and friends gathered in the beautiful gardens to celebrate the community spirit of almshouses. The event was blessed with sunshine and everyone really enjoyed meeting up again after such a long time. It was a such joy to be a part of; to see the smiles and hear the laughter and raise a toast to community and kindness!

Theresa May is an active supporter of her local almshouses and The Almshouse Association we would like to thank her wholeheartedly for her support of the almshouse movement across the country.

Very Special Thanks also go to the trustees and all the residents for making the day so special for everyone!

Scan of newspaper article in the Henley Standard – click here
Link to online version

Posted 12 July 21

For more almshouse news and stories, visit Almshouse news and stories | (almshouses.org)

Govt announces Building Safety Bill

On July 5^th 2021, the Government announced its much anticipated Building Safety Bill which outlines how residential buildings should be constructed and maintained.

If passed, the Bill would introduce a new Building Safety Regulator who would oversee the new regime and be responsible for:

“ensuring that any building safety risks in new and existing high rise residential buildings of 18m and above are effectively managed and resolved, taking cost into account.”

The proposals would also see the amount of time that residents can seek remediation for substandard construction raised from 6 to 15 years. This would be applied retrospectively to buildings completed in 2010.

More information on the Bill can be found here:

The Almshouse Association will continue to monitor the Bill’s progress through Parliament and will alert members to any implications it may have on your charity.

Please do not hesitate from getting in contact with Jack Baldan via jackbaldan@almshouses.org if you have any specific questions on the Bill.

Posted 12 July 21

Civil Society: Association CEO has his say

Civil Society News recently published an article by The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips in their Voices section.

Nick talks about how almshouses continue to play an important role in today’s affordable housing arena and how the almshouse movement is busy building more almshouses for the future. He asks

“Why is this ancient housing model still relevant when we have housing associations, council and social housing?
It is interesting to note that in pockets of villages and towns across the country, the demand for this form of small, intimate, community housing is growing. There are between 500 – 700 new almshouse dwellings in the process of being built now and many more at the planning stage. The demand for almshouse accommodation outstrips supply in most areas.
It is not just the fact that they fill a gap in the housing need; they often seem to fill a vital gap in the lives of the residents. Recent research recognised the value of almshouses in preventing isolation and loneliness with their communal courtyard gardens. They represent a form of genuinely affordable housing that includes neighbourliness as one of its priorities”

To read the article in full, please visit Nick Phillips: Why almshouses have a role to play today and for tomorrow (civilsociety.co.uk)

Alternatively, you can download a copy of the article here.

Posted July 21

click here to read more ‘Almshouse News and Stories’

New homes for single homeless in Worcester

On 2^nd July, Worcester M.P. Robin Walker, together with the Mayor, Councillor Stephen Hodgson, and Bishop John Inge, formally unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of “Stillingfleet House, the latest 25 almshouse flats created for the single homeless by Worcester Municipal Charities.

Pictured here with them, is Paul Griffith MBE, Chairman of the Charities since 1985, who said:-

“Money management is essential for charities to keep pace with inflation. Since 2013 the Charity has been pursuing a wholesale property re-investment strategy to provide affordable almshouses for the single homeless here. Since 2016 we have been helped by the Almshouse Consortium and Homes England to create, 64 new flats “over the shops” and in empty office buildings. Selling commercial charity property between 2013 and 2018 realised £2,114,100.00. Then between 2016 and 2021, twenty one grants came from Homes England totalling £1,529,633. The Charity also borrowed £500,000 from Unity Trust Bank to help with cash flow.
“The Trustees are delighted to have found an exciting new strategy that provides housing for the homeless, whilst also making a reasonable commercial profit, at a time when good investment returns are difficult to find, and affordable flats for the homeless are in very short supply. The £150,000 rent we lost from the Home Office, when Probation moved out in 2019, will be virtually replaced by the £147,000 rents from the 25 flats, all of which will be spent on helping the poor, and creating 4 more flats for the homeless already in the pipeline.”
Paul Griffiths

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association was invited to the event and was impressed not just by the quality of the build but the fantastic use of the charities resources in turning commercial investments into almshouses for those in very immediate need.

“The partnership between Worcester Municipal and Citizens Advice is unique and inspirational. The people occupying these almshouses faced years living on the streets. These almshouses can be life changing opportunities for young homeless people in Worcester.”
Nick Phillips

Posted July 21

Top images left and right, supplied by Saffer Cooper, Building Consultants. Top centre and below supplied by Worcester Municipal Charities

click here to read more ‘Almshouse News and Stories’

Survey shows happy residents

The Hospital of St John the Evangelist and of St Anne in Okeham is believed to be the oldest charity in the county of Rutland, having been established for the provision of almshouse accommodation in 1399.

The story of the charity begins with its foundation by William Dalby in 1399, by virtue of a Licence granted by King Richard II. The original intention was that the hospital should have two chaplains, and should provide accommodation for twelve poor men.

The property was confiscated during the Abolition of Chantries actions of the 16th Century, before being rescued by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, who bought back the land and then obtained a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I. This 1597 Royal Charter extended the purpose of the charity to helping both men and women, with a single Hospital able to accommodate up to 20 individuals.

During the late 18th / early 19th century the properties fell into disrepair, and most of the buildings (with the exception of the original Chapel) disappeared when the Midland Railway was constructed across the charity’s land in the 1840’s.

Today it has over 100 properties and is managed on a day-to-day basis by a team of six staff, who are answerable to a Board of Governors which form the Trustee Body.

_{David Pattinson (Chairman); Mrs Margaret Ward (Resident); Mrs Elaine Woodhead (Chair – House Committee)}

Paul Martin is CEO and Clerk to the Governors and has been with the Hospital of St John the Evangelist and of St Anne in Okeham (SJSA) since 2014, having previously been employed in a senior management role within two other large almshouse charities.

Paul manages the resident’s satisfaction survey, which is distributed bi-annually in March and is a professional benchmark for small housing providers. It provides a measure for the running of small charitable organisations, managing staff, repairs and location.

This year’s survey had a tremendous response from their residents with a whopping 97 percent of responders indicating satisfaction with the service. 99 percent of responders highlighted they found the service provided by SJSA helpful.

This incredible response is remarkable in the face of the pandemic and Paul said: “This excellent set of results was a ringing endorsement that the structural and staffing changes, introduced at the time of the last survey, have had a positive impact on the wellbeing of the beneficiaries.”

David Pattinson, Chairman of the governors commented: “What a brilliant result! I am delighted that virtually all our residents are so happy with what we provide. It is a great tribute to the hard work of staff and governors in what has been really challenging times.”

References:
Kerry Coupe ; kerry.coupe@iliffepublishing.co.uk
Published in Rutland and Stamford Mercury 17:00, 25 May 2021

Posted 7 July 21

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