The Almshouse Association

17/08/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgdmz0n0d2o

Ewelme featured on BBC news - great article! Well done to all involved.

The medieval power couple behind early affordable housing - with divine strings attached.

11/08/2026

🏡 Securing the future of historic almshouses
When trustees at the Butlin and Elborow Housing Trust discovered their historic Rugby needed a complete roof replacement, they faced far more than they had expected. Hidden structural problems, new fire safety requirements and the financial impact of previous fraud all threatened the project.
With determination, careful planning and support from The Almshouse Association, they completed the work and protected six historic homes for many years to come.

Read this inspiring case study to see how partnership and perseverance made it possible.

Supporting and representing independent almshouse charities across the UK since 1946

10/08/2026

Residents, staff and trustees have marked a major milestone as one of Colchester's oldest charities celebrated its 300th anniversary.

Residents, staff and trustees have marked a major milestone as one of Colchester's oldest charities celebrated its 300th anniversary.

10/08/2026

A handwritten message left on an empty bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky 67 years ago - for someone to uncover in the future - has been found behind a staircase during the refurbishment of Liversage Trust's almshouses in London Road, Derby, where a £3.4m refurbishment project is taking place.

The handwritten message, left on an empty bottle of whisky, was hidden back in October 1959.

30/07/2026

📺 Almshouses featured on ITV News!

This week, millions of viewers had the opportunity to see how almshouses are transforming lives by providing affordable homes, independence and thriving communities.

The ITV News feature included interviews with residents from almshouse charities across the country, alongside The Almshouse Association's Chief Executive, Nick Phillips, who highlighted the vital role almshouses play in addressing the UK's housing challenges.

As Nick said:
"Whatever I say about the almshouse movement and its importance could never match the passion and enthusiasm of the residents themselves. Their stories speak far more powerfully than I ever could."

A huge thank you to all the almshouse charities and residents who took part and shared their inspiring stories.

Watch the feature:

If you missed the broadcast, you can still watch it over the next few days via the ITV News in Full YouTube channel. Select the thumbnail for Monday 27 July 2026, then open the video and scroll through until you reach the almshouse feature.

https://www.youtube.com/

30/07/2026

We're delighted to announce that Hugh Bonneville has become an official Ambassador for The Almshouse Association.

Already a valued Vice Patron, Hugh has strengthened his commitment to our charity at a particularly exciting time, as we celebrate our 80th anniversary and continue championing the almshouse movement as a modern solution to affordable housing.

Hugh said:
"Almshouses have been an essential part of our landscape for centuries... I am honoured to be a part of highlighting the work of The Almshouse Association, which is more essential now than ever before."

His support will help raise awareness of the incredible difference almshouses make, providing safe, affordable homes where people can live independently while enjoying the benefits of a strong, supportive community.

Together, we look forward to ensuring more people recognise almshouses as an important part of the UK's housing future.

https://www.almshouses.org/news/hugh-bonneville-ambassador/



Photo credit: Gavin Bond

Supporting and representing independent almshouse charities across the UK since 1946

30/07/2026

🏗️ Another exciting milestone for the almshouse movement!

Construction has officially begun on 16 new one-bedroom almshouse apartments in the heart of Cambridge, providing high-quality, affordable homes for people aged 60+ who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market.

Designed around a shared courtyard, the development combines sustainable design with the strong sense of community that has made almshouses so special for centuries. With completion expected in spring 2028, these homes will help meet a growing need for affordable housing while supporting independent living.

Read more about this exciting project and how it is helping to change perceptions of almshouses.

https://www.almshouses.org/news/16-new-almshouses-in-central-cambridge/

Supporting and representing independent almshouse charities across the UK since 1946

29/07/2026

🏗️ Work is underway on six new almshouses in Wivenhoe – the town's first new almshouse development in more than 50 years.

Raven Court will provide safe, affordable homes for local people aged over 60, helping them remain independent and connected to the community they know and love.

After more than 15 years of dedication by Wivenhoe Housing Trust's trustees, this exciting project is finally becoming a reality.

Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone. 👏

Read more: https://www.almshouses.org/news/wivenhoe-housing-trust-breaks-ground-on-six-new-almshouses/

Supporting and representing independent almshouse charities across the UK since 1946

29/07/2026

Chairman of The Almshouse Association, Willie Hartley Russell joins the community to celebrate 25 of Vista Court

A Westbury housing development has marked 25 years of providing affordable homes for local people with a special anniversary celebration. Residents of Vista Court were joined by family members, local people and trustees from the Laverton Housing Trust for an afternoon tea on Saturday 25th July to ma...

16/07/2026

CASE STUDY: Baker's Almshouses, Stutton, Suffolk

A historic almshouse charity, a dedicated group of trustees, and a determination to make a difference.

With support from a £25,000 grant from The Almshouse Association, the trustees at Baker's Almshouses overcame funding challenges, contractor issues and project delays to fully renovate one of their Grade II listed homes.

The result? A warm, comfortable home is once again available for someone in housing need.

This project is a testament to the resilience of almshouse trustees and the impact that grants and donations can have in preserving affordable homes for future generations.

Read the full case study and find out how your support helps charities like this continue their vital work. ❤️



https://www.almshouses.org/news/the-road-to-restoration-lessons-from-bakers-almshouses/