News


Helping those in isolation

…supports this idea and hopes that our member charities can help residents to remain in touch with the outside world if they are still isolating. Some ways in which this…

Heating advice notes

…become available in the next 2/3 years, through the national grid network system, and of course when this does so the already reduced carbon generation from any new/replacement gas boiler…

Green Homes Grant extended

…completed, with work needing to be completed by March 2022. This is welcome news following confirmation that almshouse charities can use the grant to make their dwellings more energy efficient. …

Govt announces Building Safety Bill

…6 to 15 years. This would be applied retrospectively to buildings completed in 2010. More information on the Bill can be found here: New regulator at heart of building safety…

Government responds to MPs questions

The Department of Health and Social Care has responded to our MPs questions. (see news item here ). Their response does not answer the main question of where almshouses fit…

Government guidance on pets

…Appointment and Resident Handbooks to include clear guidance on pets If your charity does choose to allow residents to keep pets, we would recommend having a policy in place which…

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…

Feltham United Charities - Feltham

…They must be persons of good character who ideally reside locally preceding the time of appointment. They must be capable of independent living. Contact Details James Groves 07910 036417 Jamesgroves1965@gmail.com

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

Devon Regional Meeting (Exeter)

…you to the Devon Regional Meeting, taking place on: Thursday 18 April 2024, 10.30am – 2pm at: The Exeter Community Hall, 17, St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG. Contact: info@exeterhomesgtrust.com

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

40 mins | CPD Accredited It’s important that you comply with the law and understand the positive impact this training course can have on your organisation, staff, volunteers and residents….

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…