The charity, Lilian Faithfull Care is delighted to announce that it is expanding the support it offers to the elderly in Gloucestershire, as it merges with local Cheltenham charity – Catharine Ball Almshouses.
Named Catharine Ball House after its founder, pictured is the Almshouse building containing four one-bedroom apartments, situated in the heart of Leckhampton.
Our charity, Lilian Faithfull Care was established by the inspirational and forward thinking woman, Lilian Faithfull, who founded the charity in her retirement. Having been a pioneer in many causes throughout her life, it seems fitting that our charity is now to include the legacy of another of Cheltenham’s pioneering women – Catharine Ball.
Before Mrs Ball died in 1860, she saw the need for affordable accommodation for ‘poor, aged or infirm women,’ and through her Will, left the resources to establish the Almshouses. For the last 160 years these have offered accommodation to those in the Parish of St Phillip and St James’ in Cheltenham.
Chief Executive Martin Hughes comments, “We are delighted to welcome the Almshouses’ tenants and families under our wing. We are furthering our breadth of care by providing much needed affordable housing in Gloucestershire. As a charity, they can take comfort, that we are safe, stable and are in care for the right reasons – not for profit.”
Lilian Faithfull Care will be keeping a close connection with the local parish and Reverend Canon Nick Davies.
The Chair of Catharine Ball Almshouses, Reverend Canon Nick Davies commented, “As Trustees of the Catharine Ball Almshouses, we are delighted with this merger. Lilian Faithfull Care has a great reputation for providing a range of high quality residential care options for people living across Gloucestershire, and is the right partner for us. This merger will ensure that the original vision of Catharine Ball will be safeguarded for the future and ensures that our current residents have access to a wider range of care and support that will improve their quality of life and give them greater options for the future.”
Combined with Lilian Faithfull Care, the two charities have together offered nearly 250 years of care to older people in the county.
Suzanne Booker, Director of Care at Lilian Faithfull Care says, “We will cherish and nurture the service Catharine Ball Almshouses has provided over many years in the Parish and will protect the legacy of their founder.”
The day care team at the Secret Garden Hub on Suffolk Square is close by to offer companionship and home cooked food. In addition, the charity can offer easy access to respite care at any of the Cheltenham homes should it be required. Lilian Faithfull Care’s Estates team will be on hand to support ongoing maintenance and rolling refurbishment.
Fiona Spencer, Chair of Trustees for Lilian Faithfull Care comments, “We welcome the Almshouses to Lilian Faithfull Care. Our founder would be proud of what we do in her name.”
The charity cares for over 300 residents and day guests, across the family of five care homes and two adult day care hubs in Cheltenham and Stroud, who are looked after by 400 staff.
