Independent Living & Community Support – St John’s Almshouses

Have you ever thought about living in the centre of historic and picturesque Winchester?

This is a dream shared by many, but with the beauty and renown of Winchester often comes a competitively high price for housing. However, the St John’s almshouse community makes exquisite accommodation and an affordable way of living in the city centre possible! The Charity’s almshouses are available to local older people (or those who have family in the area) of retirement age – read on to discover more.

Affordable living in the heart of the city centre

There truly is no other rival when it comes to convenience of location; our almshouses are located in the very heart of the city.

Our almshouse accommodation is spread over four attractive sites in central Winchester, with amenities and shops right on the doorstep.

The four sites comprise of St John’s South, St John’s North, St Mary Magdalen and Christes Hospital.

Almshouses are an affordable way of living that allows you to maintain your independence within a friendly and supportive setting. Our particular provision of accommodation is unique in Winchester and indeed the country. It is unique because of the levels of support and community that we offer.

Living here, there’s no need to worry about day-to-day maintenance and repairs. We have our own in-house maintenance team who keep all our properties to a high standard, supported by our Facilities Manager.

There are many other benefits, including an onsite Wellbeing Team (a team of dedicated staff who are present around the clock to offer support) and Office Staff. The Office is open throughout the working week. Other perks include beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens – a green haven in the middle of the bustling city! There are plenty of resident-led groups and clubs, as well as outings, trips, parties, and more. The almshouses are a sociable and vibrant place to be.

Live in some of Winchester’s most noted, historic buildings

Winchester is a tourist hot spot and is celebrated across the world for its architecture and history. Living in the St John’s almshouses means that you will experience some of the history of the city, everyday.

With over nine centuries of history, living in the St John’s Winchester almshouses means that you too will be part of this rich and longstanding legacy.

Our almshouses are exquisitely well-kept and preserved to retain original features, but with the comfort that modern facilities afford. You can read more about our current accommodation and plans for future housing here.

Surrounded by a vibrant support network

Many individuals who come to the St John’s Almshouses are recently retired, or are looking for a new start in a supportive yet independent community setting. Often it might be the case that their individual circumstances have changed – such as family members moving away – which means they seek a support network close to home.

There is a strong sense of family, community and camaraderie here. Members of the St John’s Winchester community are good neighbours to each other and are actively involved in the wider community as volunteers and members of local organisations. For those who prefer to live more quietly and with less interaction with others, that is always respected.

We have an active Residents’ Forum which meets on a quarterly basis. As an almshouse resident, you too will have the opportunity to have a direct say in the Charity’s day-to-day running and its vision for the future.

The Forum is chaired by a resident – who is appointed by the group – and it provides the senior management with the opportunity to consult with residents on major initiatives.

There are many opportunities to volunteer internally within the Charity, whether its through supporting each other via the Good Neighbours group or through St John’s Hand in Hand.

At St John’s, you are not just a resident but also a community member.

Eligibility Criteria:

We provide accommodation for people of retirement age, typically 55 years old and over, who have a clear financial and social need for the extensive range of care and support which we provide.

Applicants should be capable of living independently.

Visit our admissions page for a full list of criteria and to download an application form.

Contact us today if you would like to apply or find out more about life in the Almshouses.

It’s difficult to condense into a few sentences the reasons I like living at St John’s.  I love the location – so close to the city centre – the river walks and Winnall Moors.  The gardens here are wonderful; they made being in lockdown bearable.  

I am surrounded by tranquillity, friendship and support. 

We have even had yoga classes on the lawn when it isn’t possible to be indoors.  The welfare team have been imaginative in finding ways to raise morale during these last difficult months…

Anne Manley, Almshouse Resident