Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents reunite for their first tea party since the pandemic

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust organised the get together after awarding more than £1.1m in grants to local groups in 2021
Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents reunite for a tea party Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents reunite for a tea party
Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents reunite for a tea party

Residents from 46 almshouses in Sutton Coldfield united for their first tea party since the pandemic.

The event coincided with the 75th anniversary of The Almshouse Association, a support organisation representing over 1,600 independent almshouse charities across the UK.

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The event was organised by local almshouse provider, the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) which traces its origins back to Tudor times.

It took place following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions this autumn.

Guests at the Residents’ Tea Party were treated to afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and music. For some residents, it was their first opportunity to see one another in over 18 months, due to Covid-19.

The Tea Party was one of three separate events organised by Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, with Almshouse wardens Marie and Michael. A number of Trustees joined Pam at the events, alongside Tina Swani, Chief Executive of the Trust, and Trustee Ammo Singh (pictured).

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While Covid-19 has seen management exercising extra caution to protect its residents over the festive season, Christmas hampers have also been arranged to spread some cheer among Almshouse residents.

Of the events, Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston commented: “The residents have greatly missed our regular social gatherings during the past eighteen months, and it was a pleasure to organise the tea parties where they could meet and socialise in person whilst maintaining sensible protocols. I know that they thoroughly enjoyed the events.”

Sutton Coldfield Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, Chief Executive Tina Swani and Trustee Ammo SinghSutton Coldfield Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, Chief Executive Tina Swani and Trustee Ammo Singh
Sutton Coldfield Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, Chief Executive Tina Swani and Trustee Ammo Singh

What other work has Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) done this year?

The principal objectives of the Trust are the provision of Almshouses, the distribution of funds and other measures for the alleviation of hardship and other needs for inhabitants and organisations within the boundaries of the former Borough of Sutton Coldfield.

With 2021 coming to an end, the Trust is releasing its 2020/2021 Annual Review, highlighting its many achievements throughout the year.

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The Review details the total grants awarded, which came to approximately £1.1m in 2021. This includes over £73,000 in school uniform grants, with almost 50% more local families in poverty receiving grants to buy school uniforms in 2021.

For many years, the Trust has supported local residents in sheltered or retirement accommodation with a contribution towards their Festive Celebrations. This year, 21 groups were awarded grants totalling £14,171.

The Trust remains committed to major ongoing expenditure to maintain and improve its Almshouses and resident’s facilities, as well a wide range of communities throughout Sutton Coldfield.

With the release of their Social Needs Review coming in Spring 2022, the Trust will gain invaluable insight into Sutton Coldfield’s most vulnerable local communities, which will heavily influence their long-term strategic decisions and plans.

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The Trust added that it recognises that the outcome of the Review will be of interest to the wider community and statutory agencies, and

For more information please visit Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust

Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents unite for a tea partySutton Coldfield almshouse residents unite for a tea party
Sutton Coldfield almshouse residents unite for a tea party

What is an almshouse?

An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, and is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need or infirmity) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.

An almshouse charity is typically a charity which is established for purposes which are to be furthered by the provision of one or more almshouses.

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An almshouse charity is usually a charity for the relief of financial hardship by the provision of housing and associated services or benefits which must (or is authorised to) provide its primary benefit by the grant of a licence to occupy the accommodation that it owns to its beneficiaries.

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