MPs respond to Association

During this coronavirus pandemic, The Almshouse Association has been proactive in ensuring that the concerns, needs and wishes of almshouse charities are heard and understood by policy makers in Westminster and beyond.

We have corresponded with ministers and MPs with targeted approaches to those in positions of influence on the frontbenches in Westminster and in the devolved powers.

This approach has produced a positive initial response, with a number of politicians responding to our communications either directly, to their local almshouse or raising the issues with other ministers. Those responding include The Minister of Health, Edward Argar, The Welsh Health Minister, Vaughan Gething and the Shadow Chancellor, Annalise Dodds, who has pledged to apply pressure onto government on our behalf.

Our message on your behalf is getting through and is being heard. We need to keep up the pressure to make sure actions follows.

We will keep you updated.

Posted 30 April 2020

CEO Message 29.04.20

Dear Members

I am not sure what is more astonishing – the strange state of the world today or the way that we have all adapted so quickly and created a ‘new norm’.

Stories of growing community relationships and the tireless, dedicated work of trustees and staff are proving invaluable, and many almshouses are finding they now have a manageable “normal” with great positive spirit amongst staff and residents. I can sense, though, that it is getting harder to hold onto as the weeks tick by.

The immediate lack of PPE and testing is a big concern for some, whilst financial, mental health and relationship issues are priorities for others. This period of lockdown is putting trustees, staff and residents alike through a testing time, but we are beginning to see increasing enquiries about completely non-Covid related issues – maintenance, safety checks, new buildings, fund raising, extending, refurbishing, mergers etc. In short, the old business of running an almshouse is slowly returning.

We are working hard to get recognition for our members in terms of appropriate equipment and support. We have been encouraged by the response of some MPs and ministers but we have a way to go. We continue to update our online information regularly and have added 3 new short online training courses to our website – Legionella Awareness, Health and Safety Basics and Essentials and Fire Awareness. We are also exploring other ways of supporting trustees for when we start to get back to ‘normalish’.

Your flexibility, resilience and innovation in running your charities is becoming obvious as the time goes on as you explore new ways to keep your residents positive under such trying conditions. As the rest of the world starts to open up, lets hope we are not far behind. Until then, however hard it is, if it is possible for us to do so, it seems that the most important thing we can do is stay positive, stay home and stay safe – just a bit longer.

Do continue to contact us by email or phone. We are here to help.

Best regards

Nick Phillips
CEO | The Almshouse Association

Posted 29 April 2020

Covid-19 update: 29 04 20

To help our members access the most up-to-date information and guidance, we have now moved to dated updates.

This will hopefully make our coronavirus updates easier and quicker to read. We will update this page as and when new information arises and/or we develop new guidance.

You can continue to find our previous coronavirus webpage here.

For the most up-to-date Government advice, please visit:

www.gov.uk.

Wednesday 29 April 2020

From today, those with symptoms of coronavirus who are over-65s or have to leave home to go to work are now able to self-refer for a Covid-19 test. People in these groups can either apply for a home test or apply for a test at a regional testing site. Please note, however, that testing capacity each day is limited and is booked up extremely quickly. We recommend applying as early in the day as possible for your best chance of receiving a test. Applications can be made at:

https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/test-type

We have updated our list of PPE suppliers, which can be found here. Please note that we have not researched these companies in depth and recommend that your charity undertakes some due diligence before ordering.

As we approach the end of our sixth week in lockdown, some of you may be worried about the mental health of your staff and residents during these challenging times. Several charities have developed resources to help support those who are struggling.

Mind has developed a hub of information to support those suffering from anxiety, loneliness and grief. It contains resources for all ages and has specific advice for those who need to go to work and might be worried about this. You can access the hub at:

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/

Age UK offer tips and guidance for elderly people on staying safe and well at home, including information on how to stay connected and tips on how to keep busy.

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/staying-safe-and-well-at-home/

Age UK also offers Call in Time, a telephone befriending service to help combat loneliness. Find out more at:

www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/

Don’t forget, we offer a free, online mental health awareness course to our members. To find our more, visit:

www.almshouses.org/seminars-and-events/training-seminars/

Tuesday 28 April 2020

A number of oranisations are hosting free webinars to support charities during the Covid-19 lockdown. A few that are coming up over the next few days are:

NCVO – Governing during a pandemic: what are the key things trustees need to focus on

Stone King LLP – Endowments, charity land disposals and support for charity property owners during COVID-19

National Housing Federation – Coronavirus: finance and regulation for smaller housing associations

You do not need to download any specific software to take part – just follow the instructions in your confirmation email a few minutes before the webinar is due to start. Most last an hour and there’s the opportunity to ask the presenters questions.

Don’t forget, we also offer a number of online training courses, which can be found at:

www.almshouses.org/seminars-and-events/training-seminars.

We’re also looking to host a webinar on trustee recruitment in June. We will get in touch with all members in due course with more details.

Monday 27 April 2020

Housing LIN has developed some useful guidance on supporting residents, family and friends after a bereavement and includes links to bereavement support services. You can access the briefing note at:

www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/type/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Top-tips-in-Bereavement-Care-in-Specialist-Housing/

The Charity Commission has published guidance on how to manage financial difficulties in your charity caused by coronavirus. This includes tips on how to review your current financial situation and minimise costs if needed. The guidance can be found at:

www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-financial-difficulties-in-your-charity-caused-by-coronavirus.

Tuesday 21 April 2020

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Further to the information we provided yesterday (Monday 20th April 2020), we have been advised that the PHE telephone number given below should not be used to request PPE as this department is no longer dealing with this. We will update members with a new telephone number as soon as one becomes available.

Richard Macey, Director of Charities at M&G Investments, has given an update on the M&G Fund and the impact of Covid-19 on investments. You can read Richard update at:

www.almshouses.org/news/mg-fund-update/

The Charity Commission has warned of an increased risk of fraud and cybercrime against charities during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have issued some guidance on what to look out for and the main types of scams being used.

www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-increased-risk-of-fraud-and-cybercrime-against-charities

The Charity IT Association (CITA) is offering a free, two-hour IT consultation to help charities develop their IT capability. Their Tech Surgery is usually £100 for charities with a turnover of more than £50,000 but will be free of charge to all charities during the Covid-19 outbreak.

www.charityithelp.org

Monday 20 April 2020

The Almshouse Association been in touch with Public Health England/Department of Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock’s office, Jo Churchill and others to make sure that almshouses are not overlooked when it comes to support for the sector with a particular concern over PPE and testing.

We are currently working with the various departments however, in the interim, we have been advised that the best thing to do would be for each individual almshouse to call PHE’s main switchboard on 020 7654 8000. From there, you should select option 9 where the operator can provide you with a number through which you will be able to find out about PPE in your area. You will need to provide a postcode to do so. If there is any reason why you do not qualify, let us know and we will try and break the deadlock. We are sorry that we can’t do more at present but we are working on this as a priority.

The Department of Health and Social Care report Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care action plan was published last week and provides some useful information on distribution of PPE. This includes details of seven wholesalers that are providing supplies to care providers registered with the CQC (and hopefully broader stakeholders such as almshouses): Careshop, Blueleaf, Delivernet, Countrywide Healthcare, Nexon Group, Wightman and Parrish and Gompels. The Association has contacted these suppliers; details of their supply capability and purchase criteria are recorded here

Thursday 16 April 2020

The Almshouse Association has made a representation to the government on personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 testing in almshouses. You can read the update from our Chief Executive here

The government and Public Health England have previously published guidance on PPE at:

On Wednesday 15 April, the government also published its adult social care action plan, which includes information on supporting those who require health and care services. This can be found at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-plan

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Last week the UK government announced a £750m package to help charities during the Covid-19 outbreak. Few details have been given so far but The Almshouse Association is looking at whether almshouse charities will be able to access any of this funding and, if so, how. We will keep you updated.

The National Emergencies Trust has launched a coronavirus appeal and small charities that support vulnerable people can apply for grants from their local community foundation. To find your nearest local community foundation, please visit:

www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/coronavirus

If you provide homes to over-75s and are worried that you residents might be suffering from loneliness during the Cobid-19 outbreak, you can refer them to Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly). The charity provides call companions and you can refer an elderly person via their website.

www.reengage.org.uk/refer/

For more information on reducing loneliness and social isolation, check out the Housing LIN’s new resources at:

www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/loneliness-and-isolation/

Thursday 9 April 2020

Press reports are suggesting that the current lock down is likely to continue beyond next week with the possibility of more stringent lock down measures being put in place. We recommend keeping an eye on the government website over the coming days for any formal announcements.

The Almshouse Association office will be closed for the Easter weekend. We will, however, be back at 9:00 on Tuesday 14 April. You can still contact us by phone or email but we will not be able to respond until next week.

Charity Bank have developed an online Covid-19 hub with useful resources for charities. You can also sign up to their newsletter for regular updates.

https://charitybank.org/news/covid-19-resource-hub

Wednesday 8 April 2020

The Charity Commission has updated its guidance for charities during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes new guidance on SORP and safeguarding. This can be found at:

www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector

Don’t forget: We offer free online safeguarding training here

The Almshouse Association has published guidance on what to do if one of your residents passes away. This is based on the guidance already given in Standards of Almshouse Management and Support and Care, but also contains some information on what to do if one of your residents dies after contracting coronavirus. You can view the guidance at:

www.almshouses.org/news/in-the-event-of-the-death-of-a-resident/

A number of our member charities have shared what they’re doing to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak in their almshouses. A summary of what they’re doing can be found at:

www.almshouses.org/news/looking-after-your-residents-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/

The National Council of Volunteers (NCVO) has made a number of its member-only resources available to all during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes information on including volunteers. Take a look at their guidance at:

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/coronavirus/involving-volunteers#

First Posted 8 April 2020 12:56; last updated 29 April 2020 – see more recent updates for latest news on Covid-19

New online courses available

The Almshouse Association is pleased to announce that we have added three new online training courses to our website course library.

With many of us are working from home, you may find you now have the time to take one or more of the courses on offer. Most are no more than 30-40 minutes long, are CPD accredited and you can download a certificate on completion.

All member charities have been issued with 6 credits per charity ( please do let us know if your need more). Each course uses one credit.

By clicking into the links below, you will be taken directly through to the course pages where you just need to follow the instructions.

Legionella Awareness – NEW

Health and Safety Basics and Essentials – NEW

Fire Awareness – NEW

GDPR Essentials

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Mental Health Awareness

If you have any problems accessing, please do give us a call on 01344 452922 or email us at almshousesupport@almshouses.org

Posted 29 April 2020

New almshouse design featured in the Financial Times

Inspiring article in the Financial Times by Emily Rhodes on 13 March 2020 features the innovative plans for a new almshouse build commissioned by United St Saviour’s Charity in London.

As the building of the 57 one and two bedroom apartments for older people was about to commence in March, Martyn Craddock, chief executive of the Charity, which has roots in the area stretching back 500 years, talked about his aims to attract a wider community to the building, envisioning ” a community centre with older people living around it”. He wants the building to “force the generations to come together so they can live and commune”, with plans for a cookery school which will be promoted to youth organisations and local schools and food made there will be eaten on site and shared with the older residents.

To access the full article, please click here.

Posted April 20

M&G Fund update

M&G Charity Multi Asset Fund – Investment update in the wake of Covid-19

Sadly, the pandemic crisis has sent global stock markets sharply in to reverse. This, coupled with a badly timed spat between Russia and Saudi Arabia that has caused a severe drop in the Oil Price, has also had knock-on effects on other markets, such as bonds, currencies and commodities. However, it is important to stress that this does not threaten either liquidity or provision of income from the fund; a 20%+ fall in capital does not automatically result in a similar hit on income, as many investors tend to assume.

While there will undoubtedly be a near term impact on earnings and distributions for corporations, the manager’s sense was that moves in March bore the hallmarks of ‘episodic’ behaviour: panic, and a focus on short-term price rather than long-term returns, which manifested themselves in rapid and correlated declines across most assets.

These price moves offered the opportunity for longer term investors to gain exposure to assets at compelling prices. The fund’s response was to add to equity positions and particularly areas with a ‘quality’ bias via the M&G Global Select and Positive Impact Funds. These new additions to the portfolio are funds which focus on companies with strong balance sheets and, in the latter case, offer solutions for long-term social and environmental challenges. In the near term, these should be somewhat more resilient to disruptions caused by economic lockdown.

We can expect to see deeply negative economic data being released over the next few months, including very scary unemployment numbers. The question is whether these numbers hold any information about the long term or are simply a reflection of a short term, self-imposed pause in activity. Policy makers around the world have taken a range of measures to support households, companies, and markets, often looking beyond the traditional emphasis upon interest rates. At the same time, recent data out of China is suggestive of a potentially rapid return to growth. That said, it seems likely that there are areas within economies that will never recover, and we do not know whether nations will face ‘second waves’ of outbreaks as is already being feared in Asia, or how far different policy responses in the initial phase will lead to differences in outcome over the longer term. More importantly for investors, how markets respond to developments is equally uncertain.

It is in just such emotionally challenging situations that the value of having a clear framework for dealing with uncertainty is necessary. The events so far in 2020 have shown yet again that seeking to gain an information edge in forecasting fundamentals is a dangerous approach. This is why our experience of managing multi asset strategies has reinforced our faith in adopting a reactive approach; seeking to capture the opportunities created when behavioural volatility does emerge.

In summary, our firm view is that the best opportunities for return today involve tolerating some additional volatility relative to our benchmark* (via higher equity exposure) and demonstrate the extreme rise we have witnessed in general asset volatility. During the first quarter of 2020, The M&G Charity Multi Asset Fund posted a total return of -21.9%; we recognise how uneasy this has made investors feel. However, this should be set in proper context; we have lagged our published market benchmark* (-16.3%) during the quarter, but this is largely accounted for by our higher relative weighting in global equities; we have succeeded in offering some relative protection when compared to the UK market over this period; the FTSE All-Share Index return for Q1 was -28.2%.

Finally, for those investors keen to seek reassurance on the income outlook, we are pleased to report that at this stage we foresee no reason why the fund cannot maintain the same level of income in 2020/21 as we delivered last year. At present valuations, the fund’s yield is now approaching 5.0%; this is attractive both for those seeking a strong income cashflow, and as a significant contribution to future total return.

If you have any further questions regarding performance and portfolio positioning on the M&G Charity Multi Asset Fund, please contact Richard Macey, Director of Charities, on 020 3977 3623, or via email at charities@mandg.co.uk

* Blended market benchmark is a representative composite mix of :- 45% FTSE All Share Index (UK equities), 30% MSCI AC World Index (global equities), 12.5% FTSE All Stocks Gilts Index (UK Gilts), and 12.5% BAML Non-Gilt Investment Grade Index (corporate bonds).

—Richard Macey, Director of Charities | M&G Investments

Posted 21 April 2020

Charity Commission Covid-19 Fact Sheets

The Charity Commission has published guidance for the charity sector on how to run your charity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Information includes:

Charity objects: understand if you can help with coronavirus efforts
Government financial support for charities
Using reserves and restricted funds
AGMs and other meetings: postponing or cancelling meetings
Holding meetings online or by telephone
Reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission
Keeping people safe
Working with a company or business to help with coronavirus
Charity SORP guidance
Information from other organisations

Click for latest Charity Commission Covid-19 Fact Sheets

Posted 16 April 20

CEO Message 16.04.20

Dear Members

It is looking likely that we will all be facing a further three week “lock-down” and I don’t know if you feel the same, but I am astonished that it has only been three weeks so far …. it seems a lot longer. It appears we have quickly come to deal with the constraints and created our own “normal” way of working. I am aware that for many members a further three week period will become increasingly hard to cope with. Getting the delicate balance of protecting residents and respecting their independence means a lot of consultation and discussions and, as individuals, we all have our own interpretation.
I recently took part in a teleconference with the Regulator of Social Housing and was able to get a wider insight into the challenges that other small housing providers are experiencing. Along with our own members, some providers have residents that are older and vulnerable and they too are concerned that their organisation will miss out on either PPE or testing equipment when it becomes available. I wanted to assure you that the Association is making the case to the Government for almshouses ( that need it) to be recognised and included so that they are able to access PPE and testing equipment, along with any other support available to the sector. As reflected amongst our members, many small housing providers are trying to maintain their regular maintenance and safety checks where they can without putting residents at risk and there is a sense of trying to develop a ‘business as usual’ environment in a complicated world. It was clear that, along with our members, the threat remains, and systems for prevention are harder to maintain over the long term than to introduce.
I will update you on responses from Government and other partners. Our information updates regarding Covid-19 are reviewed daily for any changes in guidance, funding and support so do keep revisiting the website. From my conversations with trustees and Clerks it is clear that your patience, professionalism and care for residents is second to none and I know you will treat another three weeks lock down as another step in the road.
Do call us or email if there is anything specific we can help you with, even if it is to ask how others are dealing with a common issue. Do check our links on Covid-19 updates here.
Best regards
Nick Phillips
CEO|Almshouse Association

Posted 16 April 2020 12.10pm

Key Decisions: Board Meeting 11 Mar 2020

Key Decisions made at the most recent Almshouse Association Board Meeting are posted on ‘Latest News’ on our website for all registered member charities to access.

At the Board Meeting held on 11th March 2020 at the NCVO in London, the following Key Decisions were made:

Delegated authority was given to NP to cancel or continue events based on evidence at the time.
The Board approved/adopted the Annual Accounts for 2019 and the Annual Report subject to minor amendments discussed. The Board approved the letter of representation to Buzzacotts.
Delegated authority was given to board members to register the name change from ’The National Association of Almshouses’ to ‘The Almshouse Association’ with the Charity Commission in advance of the filing with Companies House.
Authority was given to recruit regional champions for 9 months and to roll out nationally in 2021.
The new branding and logo was approved and endorsed by the Board. Roll out timing as CEO sees fit.
Following demand for loans and grants exceeding funds budgeted the Board approved an increase in the budget available to provide restricted funds for the provision of loans up to £1,000,000 and grants up to £250,000 for 2020.

A record of all Key Decisions made at Board Meetings (from June 18 onwards) can be found in ‘Current Issues’.

Posted 14 April 2020

Combating Loneliness

It is reported that there are 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK and that the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by COVID-19 with people experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness due to the current pandemic.

Arranged into 6 key topic areas below, Housing LIN has recently posted new pages on their website showcasing relevant guidance and policy instruments, useful research findings and examples of services and innovative projects that offer practical solutions in combating loneliness and reducing social isolation.

With thanks to The Mercers Charitable Foundation, the resources listed below deal with the impact that housing and support services can have on responding to these types of need amongst older people.

Click in the link below to access the Housing LIN web pages on loneliness and isolation:

https://www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/loneliness-and-isolation/

Posted 14 April 2020