WESTENDE Almshouses, run by Wokingham United Charities, offers affordable, independent living for older people in Wokingham.
Its peaceful and welcoming community is located in the heart of Wokingham, offering secure and comfortable accommodation for older residents facing financial hardship.
One of its 27 flats will soon be available for a new tenant, and Wokingham United Charities invites applications now for this popular and unusual opportunity to join the Westende community.
Nestled in beautifully maintained gardens on London Road, the almshouses’ two blocks of self-contained flats are a short walk from shops and essential amenities, making them an ideal location for independent living.
Residents contribute to the upkeep of the almshouses through a Monthly Maintenance Charge (MMC).
This is set below the Local Housing Allowance level for the borough, ensuring affordability for those in need.
Westende is proud to have a strong community ethos, and is supported by dedicated on-site manager Lynda Rowe, who has been with the organisation for nearly 30 years.
Lynda provides pastoral care to residents and oversees the upkeep of the buildings, helping to foster a safe and friendly environment.
The flats are also connected to ForestCare, a 24/7 emergency response service that offers peace of mind to residents and their families, knowing that help is always available.
Applications are considered by Wokingham United Charity trustees when vacancies arise, based on the charity’s mission to support those in genuine need within Wokingham Borough.
Acceptance is at the trustees’ discretion and applicants must meet the following criteria:
They must have lived in Wokingham Borough for at least two years, or have strong historical ties (for example a previous residence, local employment, or close family in the area).
They need to demonstrate financial or significant social/family need.
Their household income must not exceed £296 per week, or £1,282 per month, and their total savings must not exceed £16,000.
They must be unable to afford to rent a similar-sized property in the area, and their current accommodation must be unsuitable, or the applicant must be without housing.
They have to be able to live independently and to be able to shop and cook for themselves.
They must be aged 55 or older at the time of application.
And they need to understand and be willing to participate in a community-focused living environment.
With the Westende flat soon to be available, WUC invites applications for the current vacancy immediately.
People can apply online at: forms.office.com/e/0MWTWLQGzk
Or they can contact Wokingham United Charities directly to receive a paper application by post.
The deadline for applications is Friday, October 17.
For information, visit: wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk
