Service development

Over the last few years there has been a cultural and social shift which has presented new challenges to almshouses traditionally managed on a “paternalistic” approach – with “beneficiaries of the charity” grateful for the generosity of well-meaningTrustees.Whilst this model worked well for centuries it is fair to say that the new generation of “55+” has greater expectations than previous generations – if only because they can still be in many instances very active at work or in their local community, and they will live longer in the almshouse, sheltered environment.

Lench’sTrust has long recognised this and it has developed its services in recent years to address the following issues:

1. Residents wish to maintain their independence whilst having the security of living in a sheltered environment;

2. Our schemes must reflect the wider community and play an active part by opening their doors to local people or groups which may benefit from accessing our facilities and services;

3. The concept of “needs” which had traditionally been restricted to financial needs has been expanded to include health, social and housing needs.TheTrust has also introduced residents who part-own their accommodation (shared ownership) at its new scheme in Quinton as a way to extend its benefits to people who may not have qualified in other circumstances;

4. The development of an extracare scheme –William Lench Court in Quinton – has set a template for future developments where the communal facilities play such an important role to secure the sense of a caring community.

You said...

 Residents at Lench’s Close wanted better access to the communal amenities and redecoration of the main communal room.

 Residents at both Lench’s Close &Tanner’s Close asked for communal SkyTV aerials as the Trust does not allow individual dishes.

 For many years residents have been complaining about the aluminium framed windows because of condensation and poor insulation.

...We did

 A comprehensive refurbishment programme, including extension to and reconfiguration of the communal areas started at Lench’s Close in September 2011. Completion of the work is due in April 2012.

 Communal SkyTV dishes have been installed in both sites, with the Trust agreeing to pay the first year’s subscription to any residents taking up the service.

 Refurbishment of all windows and doors at Lench’s Close andTanner’s Close is planned for 2012.