Helping people maintain their independence remains the charity’s driving force today. Our almshouses provide affordable, independent living for older people in Winchester, Hampshire.
Our Almshouses
A friendly and dedicated team is on hand to help residents feel safe, supported, and connected. Our Administration and Maintenance Teams are available Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, helping to keep the almshouse community running smoothly.
Our Almshouse Community Team includes a Manager, Senior Coordinator, three Community Support Officers, a Wellbeing Therapist, and an onsite Warden. The team provides support Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.40pm, with the Warden available from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Weekend support is provided between 9.00am and 12.30pm.
The team offers practical and emotional support, wellbeing checks, signposting to local services, assistance during difficult times, and help to maintain independence. Whether residents need advice, reassurance, or simply a friendly conversation, someone is always available to listen and help.
Our aim is to support residents to live independently for as long as possible, while fostering a caring and welcoming community where people feel valued, safe, and at home.
Life at St John’s is enriched by resident-led social activities.
Life here at St John’s is enriched by resident-led social activities. We simply provide the spaces, encouragement, and practical help to make them happen. Many residents are active in the wider Winchester community, while others prefer a quieter way of living, and both are equally valued.
Our community is built on kindness and mutual respect, where being a good neighbour matters. For over 900 years, Winchester has cared for those in need, and our almshouses continue to reflect that tradition.
Available Almshouses
We do not currently have almshouse accommodation available.
If you are not yet on our Housing Interest List, and would like to be considered for future property vacancies, add your details here.
Two-storey housing & flats
St John's North Almshouses, WinchesterLocated just off the lower end of the High Street, opposite the King Alfred Statue and adjacent to our Chapel, our Northside site offers a combination of two-storey houses and flats. Residents can enjoy independent living in the tranquil setting of our beautiful gardens while being part of a friendly and relaxed community.
Level‑Access Apartments
Colebrook Street Almshouses, WinchesterModern, level‑access almshouse apartment in the newly completed Colebrook Street development. This adaptable home provides step‑free access, landscaped outdoor space, and the support of St John’s Almshouse Community Team, perfect for those seeking comfortable, independent living in the heart of Winchester.
Independent Living Flats
St John's South Almshouses, WinchesterIndependent living almshouse flats situated on the Southside of the St John’s estate, combining traditional building charm with comfortable amenities. Designed for older residents seeking community‑focused living, this home offers easy access to shared communal spaces, gardens and social programmes, supported by St John’s Almshouse Community Team.
Character Cottage or Maisonette
Christes Hospital, WinchesterLocated close to Winchester city centre and Winchester Cathedral, these charming, characterful properties offer independent living in a peaceful setting, complemented by beautiful communal gardens and a vibrant resident-led community.
Ground & First Floor Flats
Mary Magdalen Almshouses, WinchesterOur attractive St Mary Magdalen site offers peaceful surroundings, moments from the River Itchen. Residents can enjoy communal gardens, resident social activities, laundry facilities and a guest suite, with local shops and amenities just a short walk away.
Almshouse Community Team
Our Almshouse Community Team plays a vital role in supporting our residents to live full and independent lives.
Our residents are the heart of our community, and enrichment and welfare are central in everything we do. Managed by Beccy Hynard-Hicks, Almshouse Community Team Manager, and supported by Helen Burrows, Senior Coordinator, alongside a dedicated team of three Community Support Officers, a Wellbeing Therapist, and an on-site Warden, our team works together to provide consistent and compassionate support to ensure our residents’ wellbeing and independence is always prioritised.
Residents can enjoy a secure and supportive environment, with access to shared facilities including our community room, rooms and gardens. A programme of resident-led activities and trips also helps foster community and wellbeing across our four sites. Although community spirit is a key part of life here, residents also have the freedom to spend their days quietly and independently, with minimal involvement from our teams.
To find out more, or email office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
Chapel of St John the Baptist
The Chapel of St John the Baptist, situated on The Broadway, is part of the charity’s permanent endowment, and is one of the few surviving medieval hospital chapels still standing. It brings together the community of St John’s with special events such as our Founders Day Service, Harvest Festival Celebration, and Christmas Carol Service.
Our regular weekly chapel services are open to the public. They occur: Sundays, 10:30am, Holy Communion with hymns; and Wednesdays, 10:30am, Holy Communion.
Services are taken regularly by our Chaplain, Rebecca, who also provides pastoral support to the residents, although there is no required religious affiliation or observance for prospective residents.
Leaflets about the history of the Chapel are available and visitors and non-residents are always welcome to attend our Chapel events and services.
You can contact our Chaplain, the Rev. Rebecca Ogus at chaplain@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
Almshouse Eligibility Checker
This form is designed to help you quickly check whether you meet the basic eligibility criteria for applying to live at St John’s Winchester.
Housing Interest List
Our almshouses offer independent living within a supportive and welcoming community in the heart of Winchester.
If you think St John’s could be the right place for you, or for someone you support, the first step is to register your interest.
Before we add your name to our Housing Interest List, we will ask you to complete a short form so that we can confirm that you meet our basic eligibility criteria. We will email you explaining what information we need and what happens next.
Our almshouses are generally for people who:
- are aged 60 or over
- have limited financial means
- are able to live independently, with appropriate support if needed
- have a local connection to Winchester
- have a housing or social need
Once we have confirmed your eligibility, we will add you to our Housing Interest List. When a suitable almshouse becomes available, we will contact you with details of the property. You can then decide whether you would like to make a full application.
If you would prefer to complete the form on paper, you can return it to 32 St John’s South, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9LN, or email it to office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
Unsure whether you
may qualify?
If you are unsure whether you may qualify or would simply like to talk things through before completing the form, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.
[Housing Interest Form]
St John’s is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission. You can read our most recent inspection report here, along with our almshouse admission guidelines and service leaflet.