The James Lloyd Almshouses
Charity 218634
Overview
Summary
The James Lloyd Almshouses appears to be a small, place-based provider of sheltered housing for older women, combining independent homes with light-touch practical support and a deliberately sociable residential environment. Its role seems broader than property provision: the scheme manager, shared spaces and resident-led accounts suggest it helps residents sustain independence while reducing isolation and insecurity. Its location within Bournville Village Trust’s setting may be an important part of the offer, although the nature of that relationship is not evidenced.
Operational geography
No operational geography is currently available for this organisation.
Areas of work
- Accommodation/housing
Who they help
- Elderly/old People
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Independence is supported through a managed community
The organisation appears to balance private, self-contained living with accessible support and optional collective activity. This may be a model for enabling older residents to remain independent without being socially or practically isolated.
Why it matters
This distinguishes the organisation from housing providers whose offer is primarily accommodation: its apparent value lies in the combination of autonomy, reassurance and everyday connection.
Show evidence
“Each resident has her own purpose-built, self-contained, centrally-heated bungalow, ground- or first-floor flat.”
Source:Organisation“The development offers sheltered accommodation with a scheme manager to call on.”
Source:Organisation“Regular events are hosted in the common room, and residents can dip in and out of them.”
Source:Organisation
Social connection may be an operational asset, not an add-on
Resident accounts suggest that mutual checking-in, organised activities and a small-scale setting are central to how safety and wellbeing are experienced. The scheme manager may function as a connector as well as a housing contact.
Why it matters
It indicates that the organisation's resilience may depend not only on buildings and formal support, but on the social infrastructure created among 31 residents.
Show evidence
“The charity provides almshouse accommodation to 31 elderly women.”
Source:Organisation“A resident describes friendly people ready to stop for a chat and check if you are ok.”
Source:Organisation“Residents describe trips, get-togethers, quizzes, coffee mornings, Zumba, film afternoons and karaoke arranged by the scheme manager.”
Source:Organisation
The beneficiary focus is narrower than the legal objects
Although its charitable objects permit relief for people in need due to age, ill-health, disability or financial hardship, current activity is described specifically as housing for elderly women. This may reflect a deliberately specialised eligibility model.
Why it matters
This distinction is important when assessing who the organisation can complement locally and whether its capacity addresses wider housing need or a particular underserved group.
Show evidence
“The objects include relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability or financial hardship through housing accommodation.”
Source:Charity Commission“Provision of Almhouse accommodation to 31 Elderly women.”
Source:Organisation
- Eligibility criteria, affordability and how vacancies are allocated are not evidenced.
- The relationship with Bournville Village Trust and other local support organisations is unclear.
- There is no evidence of resident outcomes, demand, waiting lists or support for residents with escalating care needs.
Remaining uncertainties
- Application and eligibility policies, rents or contributions, vacancy and waiting-list data.
- Annual reports or service information on governance, finances, partnerships, resident support and outcomes.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Provision of Almhouse accommodation to 31 Elderly women
Charity objects
(1) THE OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY ARE (A) THE RELIEF OF THOSE IN NEED BY REASON OF AGE, ILL-HEALTH, DISABILITY OR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC, BY THE PROVISION OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION FOR BENEFICIARIES; AND (B)SUCH CHARITABLE PURPOSES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RESIDENTS AS THE TRUSTEE DECIDES. (2) SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE 5 OF THE SCHEME, THE LAND IDENTIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THIS SCHEME MUST BE RETAINED BY THE TRUSTEE FOR USE FOR THE OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY.