Lilian Faithfull Care merges with Catharine Ball Almshouses

Gloucestershire-based charity, Lilian Faithfull Care, is expanding its elderly care support in the county as it takes over Catharine Ball Almshouses in Cheltenham. 

The almshouse building in Leckhampton is comprised of four one-bedroom apartments and has offered affordable accommodation to local elderly people for 160 years. 

Set up by pioneering Cheltenham woman, Catharine Ball, with a gift in her will, Lilian Faithfull Care, which was set up by another inspirational Cheltenham woman, is a fitting charity to preserve her legacy.

Lilian Faithfull Care's chief executive, Martin Hughes, said: '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 in care for the right reasons – not for profit.'

The charity intends to maintain a close relationship with the chair of Catharine Ball Almshouses, Reverend Canon Nick Davies, who added: '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.'

The team at Lilian Faithfull's Secret Garden Hub day care centre is close by, offering residents of Catharine Ball Almshouses companionship and home cooked meals, with Lilian Faithfull also able to offer respite care at any of its Cheltenham homes, if required. Its estates team will also provide ongoing maintenance and rolling refurbishment at the almshouses. 

The merger means Lilian Faithfull Care now looks after over 300 residents and day guests, as well as employing 400 staff in Gloucestershire. 

For more information, visit lilianfaithfull.co.uk.