Almshouses

Almshouses have existed for a thousand years, but their role is not well-understood outside the almshouse movement. The following resources explain the distinctive characteristics of almshouses and what they can offer, and also give examples of successful developments, and governance and management initiatives that have helped transform almshouse provision to meet housing need and complement local strategies for housing, care and support, as well as contribute to health improvements (see our report for the Almshouse Association).

We are also pleased to be an Advisory Board member of the Dunhill Medical Trust-funded Almshouse Resilient Communities (ARC) for the Future project.

For more about how we can help you strategically or operationally develop a better range of housing choices and transform services for people in an Almshouse setting, email us at: consultancy@housinglin.org.uk

Almshouse Resilient Communities (ARC) for the Future project

The Knowledge Hub on Resilience in Almshouse Communities provides a free resource to almshouse residents and staff, to social housing providers and to anyone interested in strengthening our communities to deal with change.

Almshouse Longevity Study - Can Living in an Almshouse Lead to a Longer Life?

Research published in this Bayes Business School report suggests that living in almshouses can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups.

Housing to span the generations: A 21st Century Almshouse for Bristol

This Housing LIN Viewpoint (No 105), written by writer and co-founder of the Age Action Alliance, Tony Watts describes a “21st Century Almshouse for Bristol” that may offer a way forward for intergenerational housing.

Understanding the impact of almshouse charities in the pandemic

The Almshouse Association published research into how almshouse charities managed during the pandemic. They commissioned The Smith Institute to carry out a report so that they could learn about the difference their members made and what lessons we can learn for future emergencies.

Assessment of the evidence of financial benefits provided by Almshouses

This Housing LIN report, looks at examples of financial benefits and cost savings across a wide number of relevant areas which include Local Authorities, the NHS, employment, the wider housing market and quality of life.

Learning from new English and Dutch almshouses

This Housing LIN blog summarises the new RICS Research Trust report and provides ideas and examples of how new almshouses can help to meet housing need and complement local strategies for housing, care and support.

Almshouses: a model of community housing for an ageing population

This research for RICS takes a future-focused approach to almshouses, looking at recent developments to inform housing provision for older adults in the 21st century.

My first year as an Almshouse Trustee

Richard Quarry, Partner at Rider Levett Bucknall (UK) reflects on what he has learnt from his past year as a Trustee for City of Wells Almshouses in Somerset.

Almshouses for the 21st century: transformation in progress

This new Housing LIN viewpoint explores partnerships, governance and management initiatives with case studies of new almshouse developments and partnerships with local authorities, private developers and a Community Land Trust.

Time for change for almshouses? Reflections 1980-2020

In this Housing LIN guest blog Jenny Pannell writes about her 40-year career working with almshouses.

Almshouse flats for homeless people: Sir Thomas White Court, Worcester

Housing LIN case study 156 outlines the architectural qualities of the award winning scheme in Worcester.

A 21st Century eco-almshouse: St. John’s Almshouses, Lichfield

A look at the award-winning St. John’s Almshouses, a new Passivhaus certified residential scheme for older people in Lichfield, completed in August 2017.

Transforming almshouses for the 21st century

This Housing LIN report explores the potential for almshouses to play a greater role in offering housing for vulnerable older people. Almshouse charities face challenges and opportunities in delivering...

Almshouses into the next millennium - Paternalism, partnership, progress?

This report considers what role almshouses may play in current and future housing and welfare provision

“United St Saviour’s Charity is thrilled to be a sponsor of the Housing LIN. We have the same commitment to sharing knowledge and valuing evidence-based research for the delivery of high-quality housing for older people.

We will soon be opening the doors to our new almshouse, Appleby Blue, in the heart of inner-city London. Appleby Blue has been designed to provide independent living for older people over 65 in a supportive and inclusive setting. We want the building to be used by local groups and residents so that the people who live and work in Appleby Blue are members of a thriving, mixed community of all ages.

We will be collaborating on several research projects with academic partners and partnering on many other initiatives around good building design, housing services, community activities and health and social care in Southwark. We look forward to sharing these learnings with the Housing LIN community.”
Alison Benzimra, Head of Research and Influence at United St Saviours Charity