Abbeyfield Joins the Charity Housing Alliance

The Charity Housing Alliance (CHA) is delighted to announce that Abbeyfield has joined our partnership, strengthening the collective voice of charitable housing providers across England.

Founded in 1956, Abbeyfield delivers sheltered housing and care homes for older people and works to alleviate loneliness among later-life communities. Its mission is to empower older people to live well through the provision of good-quality, affordable homes that are rooted in local communities.

Abbeyfield brings with it a network of independent Abbeyfield societies, each delivering vital, community-based housing and support to older people across the country. Their contribution reflects the diversity and depth of charitable housing provision represented within the Charity Housing Alliance.

Abbeyfield England General Secretary, Michele Wainwright, said: “Abbeyfield England is delighted to be joining the Charity Housing Alliance and working alongside the Almshouse Association and partners across the sector at an important moment.

“As a membership body, we represent Abbeyfield societies delivering vital, community-based housing across the country. We are not alone - there are many charitable providers doing this work, and the Alliance reflects the importance of coming together to ensure that contribution is properly recognised.

“Recent changes, including the Renters’ Rights Act, have shown that this is not always the case. For Abbeyfield societies, that directly affects how they operate and the stability and support they provide to residents. By working together through the Alliance, we can ensure this contribution is recognised and supported - so organisations like ours can continue delivering the homes and communities people rely on.”

Gary See, Chair of the charity, said: “Abbeyfield England is proud to support the Charity Housing Alliance and the shared ambition it represents.

“Organisations like Abbeyfield societies play a vital role in communities across the country, yet their contribution is not always fully recognised within national policy and legislation. The Alliance brings together a significant and diverse group of charitable housing providers, creating a stronger, more unified voice at a national level.

“By working collaboratively with partners, we are better placed to ensure that this contribution is clearly understood and reflected in future decision-making -helping to secure a more sustainable future for charitable housing and the residents it supports.”

CHA looks forward to working closely with Abbeyfield and our partners to ensure charitable housing is recognised, supported, and enabled to thrive.