News


Government's Right to Buy plans

…exemption means that communities across the country do not face the prospect of losing much needed genuinely affordable housing. We are glad that this position does not currently appear to…

Giving Something Back

…in his 90s and had been Chairman for 40 years). I was honoured to accept, and decided that this would fill in the “work” gap when I retired. The Louisa…

Gardens & People Award winners 2019

…physical support but otherwise it has been the hard work of the residents that had yielded delicious, home grown vegetables. The residents at Yardley Great Trust, Birmingham initiated a project to improve…

Gardens & People Almshouse Association Awards

…physical support but otherwise it has been the hard work of the residents that had yielded delicious, home grown vegetables. The residents at Yardley Great Trust, Birmingham initiated a project to improve…

Garden Parties Galore!

…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…

Founders Day celebrations at Eventide Homes

…during her term as Mayor, was amazed at the beautiful surroundings and publicly thanked the Trustees for their hard work in ensuring that the Charity is thriving today.  To find…

Fond farewells to retiring clerk

…I had the very satisfying job of helping women move from inadequate housing to safe, comfortable homes, surrounded by beautiful gardens maintained by the charity’s full-time gardener, Robert Fenton.” In…

Flooding and extreme weather

…In addition to natural flood risks from rivers and the sea, members should also consider what to do in the event of flooding, even outside a flood risk area as…

Fire doors in almshouses

…of the Responsible Person to ensure that it does not negatively impact upon the overarching fire risk assessment for the premises. It is good practice to inspect fire resisting door…

Exeter Homes Trust marks Platinum Jubilee

…celebrated the completion of remodelling work at one of their developments, Atwill Palmer Almshouses, in Exeter’s New North Road. The site underwent a programme of sympathetic refurbishment work, part funded…

Ewelme Almshouse Charity talks strategy

…Chantry Foundation and an almshouse for thirteen poor men at Ewelme. The income for running the Foundation and the almshouse was to come, as it still does today, from the…

Eric's story

…of which have been a benefit in his work as a clerk to the trustees. His daily/weekly/monthly work varies from visiting and resolving issues raised by residents, repair and maintenance…

EPCs - Association's Statement on EPCs

…need to follow this guidance when introducing a new resident. The Association does not believe that trustees must provide a copy of the EPC as standard, rather that it should…

Energy White Paper: Association response

…this task with the strongest will and determination. The Energy White Paper forms an initial part of this effort, but it does not provide enough information to reassure many of…

Electrical Safety Standards Regs 2020

…that prospective resident. Any further investigative or remedial work identified in the report should be carried out by  a qualified person(s) within 28 days, unless a shorter period is specified. …

Dunk's Almshouses celebrate our 75th!

…left by Sir Thomas Dunk in his Will. The community spirit was tremendous and despite the hard work was much enjoyed by all especially the residents who invited family and…

Diversifying your Charity Board

…and one third are under the age of 50. 59% of charities report that their board does not reflect the communities they serve. And 74% of charities struggle to find…

Digital Switchover Guide

…rely on telecare in the UK, and on the organisations that manage health, housing and home care. Legrand, Erosh, TSA and the Almshouse Association have been working together to create…

Digital Switchover: how could it affect almshouses?

…environment, including giving a less ‘institutionalised’ feel in supported housing schemes Improving outcomes for health and care providers     The session explained the implications of Digital Switchover and explored how

Day’s and Atkinson’s Almshouse Charity

…balloons they could find. It was a real joy to see their childhood friendship blossom and a sight that made all the hard work demanded by this project so worthwhile….

Damp and Mould Guidance

…more research is required, other reported symptoms include headaches, lethargy, memory loss and mental health issues. Those with pre-existing health conditions, older people and those with disabilities are most likely…

DAMHA celebrates 125 years!

…Paul Mullis, who also laid flowers at Joseph Hopper’s graveside memorial. Rev Lindley said: “The success of DAMHA is just not the legacy of Joseph Hopper, or the hard work

Cyber Security Awareness Training

…more precise) and causes massive disruption. In fact, each year around half of all UK businesses has at least one security breach. We are all responsible for keeping information safe

Current Issues: New items posted

…– Oct 19 Government’s Good Work Plan – Sept 19 Charity Risk Barometer 2019 – Sept 19 Value for Money Metrics for almshouse charities – Sept 19 Current Issues Library…

Covid update: 21.12.20

…Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring). In short, Tier 4 restrictions are effectively a lockdown. You cannot leave or be outside of the place you are living unless you have a reasonable…

Covid update: 20.01.22

…to work from home, unless they are self-isolating. People should now talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to the office. From 27 January 22: There is no…

Covid-19 vaccine update

…vaccination appointment with a Local Authority-issued Notice of Eligibility. They can now also use a recent letter from their employer, along with photo identification which confirms their place of work….

Covid-19 vaccine

…directly working with vulnerable people who need care and support irrespective of where they work (for example in hospital, people’s own homes, day centres, or supported housing); or who they…

Covid-19 update: 29.09.20

…where possible. There are also many sources of external help that may be useful for you and your residents: Mental Health Advice on mental health, how to assess your feelings,…

Covid-19 update: 24.11.20

…hospitality will close except for delivery, takeaway and drive-through; hotels and other accommodation providers must close (except for specific exemptions, including people staying for work purposes or where they cannot…

Covid-19 update: 18.10.21

…as public transport and shops. Communicating clearly and urgently to the public if the risk level increases. Consider asking people to work from home. Coronavirus is still with us and…

Covid-19 update: 13.10.20

…with no mixing indoors, rule of six applies outside Very High Tier: No mixing indoor and out, shut pubs and bars Further individual restrictions are likely to be introduced for…

Covid-19 update: 13-08-2021

…can meet indoors as well as social distancing will end. Wearing a face mask in shops, health and social care settings and on public transport will still be required. 13-08-2021…

Covid-19 update: 12.05.21

…indoors. Where people meet indoors, they should be encouraged to open a window. Meeting outside where possible is still a safer option Up to 30 people will be able to…

Covid-19 update: 10.9.20

…households must not meet in groups of more than 6. Note that: This limit does not apply to meetings of a single household group or support bubble which is more…

Covid-19 update: 8.4.21

…guest facilities but we would recommend undertaking a risk assessment first. You are, however, under no obligation to re-open if you do not feel it would be safe for your…

Covid-19 update: 5.11.20

…also published new guidance to support safe care home visits during the lockdown. Almshouse charities that accommodate older people may find it useful to apply these principles within their own…

Covid-19 update: 3.8.20

…the re-opening of communal facilities can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities. To see if you area has a local lockdown in place, visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-restrictions-areas-with-an-outbreak-of-coronavirus-covid-19.  Tuesday 21st July 2020 The Government has…

Covid-19 update: 2.11.20

…to work (if it’s not possible to work from home), to go shopping for essential items, for medical reasons (to attend appointments, collect medication from the pharmacy etc), visit members…

Covid-19 update: 05.1.21

…vulnerable should not attend work and limit their exposure to other people. They should limit their time outside their homes to medical appointments and exercises only. Please note that whilst…

Covid & supported housing

…that work in that care home vaccinated (unless they have a valid exemption. The Department of Health and Social Care is currently reviewing these regulations and if they widen the…

Coronavirus Update

…advice for individuals concerned about contracting coronavirus, which may be helpful to share with your residents. Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/.  The mental health charity, Mind, has developed some tips and guidance to…