Lench’s Trust has it’s own Maintenance Team and also has a list of approved contractors who deal with all the general maintenance issue. In addition to that, we also have a full time gardener who makes sure that all the outside spaces and gardens are kept tidy.

Both family and friends can visit and stay (not permanently ), however, it is essential that the Scheme Manager is informed as we much know how many people are on site should an emergency arise i.e. a house fire. There is also the availability of a guest room at William Lench Court and Lench’s Close - Any requests should be be out to the Scheme Manager.

Part of the criteria of sheltered housing is for the residents to form their own community and to be partaking in some of the scheme activities and functions. All this said, whilst residents are encouraged to join in, it is their choice whether they do so or not.

There is the opportunity for social activities to take place at all of the schemes. Encouragement is given for the activities to be resident led, although our Scheme Managers are at hand for advice and assistance should it be required. If you wish to find out which activities we offer on a weekly basis at each scheme, please click here.

The care provided is dependent upon where the resident resides. At Lench's Close and Tanner's Close there is a Scheme Manager whose duties do not include 'a hands on' approach for the resident's individual care. However, the Scheme Manager is responsible for assessing the needs of individual residents and is instrumental in supporting the resident to access the most appropriate care package either from social services or a private agency.

William Lench Court is both a sheltered housing and an extra-care facility. This incorporates the 24 hour presence of a Care Team which since April 2014 has been fully employed by the Trust. The Care Team will assess applicants before they move into the scheme and the appropriate care package is set up as and when necessary whilst living there. This will ensure that we provide the best and most appropriate care package to suit the wellbeing of each individual resident.

Lench’s Trust works with an emergency call centre called Careline. Careline offers a 24 hour service, which is not only provided on weekends but also anytime the Scheme Manager is off duty, be it due to the end of his/her shift or because he/she has a training day or other commitments. As a result, there is consequently always cover provided. Once someone has called for emergency via the ENS tablet the call is answered promptly and the necessary procedures taken.

As this is sheltered housing, it is expected that residents should have some degree of independency. We would hope that families and friends continue to be involved with their relative and are able to assist over the weekends when the Scheme Manager is not on duty.

In shared areas such as the communal lounge and laundry etc., and within each flat, we have an ENS tablet fitted should it be necessary to alert urgent assistance.

The contact details of the next of kin and/or someone who can be notified in an emergency is kept on the residents file and the emergency call centre should it be required. If the operatives deem it necessary, they will alert the emergency services.

The exception to this is William Lench Court which is an extra-care facility -where there are members of staff on duty 24 hours a day.

The safety and security of the residents is paramount here at Lench’s Trust and we take all of the necessary precautions to ensure this. However, it is also the responsibility of individual residents to ensure that they are mindful of safety and security issues. If they do have concerns, they may either approach the Scheme Manager, use the emergency pull cord alarm system to notify the emergency out-of-hours team, or dial 999.

Part of the Scheme Manager’s role is to offer support with these requirements and to give assistance to residents who are unable or not confident enough to do it for themselves. Our focus, however, is to promote the independence of individual residents and to not make then unnecessarily dependent.

Due to the nature of sheltered housing, it would be expected that residents should be prepared to receive a daily call or visit from the Scheme Manager. These check can also be done via the ENS tablet.

Lench’s Trust are fortunate that all of our properties are in easy access of all amenities; bus stops, general practitioners, dentists, shops, hospitals, churches and many more.

The Trust does not have any flats for sale.

The properties at Lench’s Close in Moseley and Tanner’s Close in Sutton Coldfield are one bedroom self-contained flats with a lounge, kitchen, wet room, bedroom and plenty of storage space.

William Lench Court in Quinton comprises of one and two bedroom self-contained apartments for beneficiaries of the charity. Each consist of a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and wet room and provide storage space.

Facilities vary from scheme to scheme, however, there are laundry and activity rooms at all schemes. For more information please call Head Office.

All of the Lench’s Trust schemes are located in the Birmingham area.

Lench’s Close is on Wake Green Road, situated only a short walk away from Moseley Village.

Tanner’s Close is on Whitehouse Common Road, Sutton Coldfield and is within a short drive away from Good Hope Hospital and Gracechurch Shopping Centre.

William Lench Court is located on Ridgacre Road, Quinton, near to Harborne Village.

Unfortunately not. We only provide housing for those of 55 years and above, whether single or in a couple.

The process begins with the requesting of the application pack.

Once completed and returned to Head Office, you will be acknowledged via a call where an arrangement of a home visit within the following 12 -20 weeks.

Once the home visit has been completed, an assessment is made of all the information collected and the applicant is awarded points according to their needs, thus allowing the applicant to be appropriately positioned on our waiting list.

An application pack can be obtained by calling Head Office or a Scheme Manager at any of our schemes to have a pack sent out to you. Alternatively, a Scheme Manager will hand you one in person if you are on site.

We also have an online application to be completed. Or a downloadable on to be sent to us via email or post.

All of the schemes have healthy waiting list which is continually changing as as flats become available. However, applicants are encouraged to inform Head Office of any changes to their personal circumstances which may alter their position on the waiting list as the list is completed on a ‘needs’ basis.

Lench’s Trust caters to people of 55 years and above.

In the case of a couple applying for housing, both individuals would have to be 55 years and above to meet the criteria. We also expect applicants living in Birmingham for at least the past 5 years or have a connection to the city. For example a relative who may be their main carer.

As Lench’s Trust is an Almshouse charity, we are only able to offer rented accommodation to those who qualify as being in financial need. If you own your own home or have a large amount of equity in it, unfortunately we would not be able to consider you application. If you have lots of savings you should contact us to discuss in more detail whether you would qualify.

The cost depends on which of the schemes you apply to. The prices of each scheme are assessed and updated annually each year.

Depending on the individual’s personal circumstances and financial status, housing benefit and council tax can be applied for to assist with these costs. The cost also includes a portion of the service charges.

At William Lench Court , there is also a well-being charge of £12 per week which the resident is responsible for.

As the prices vary depending on the scheme, it would be beneficial to call Head Office on 0121 426 0455 and ask for the costs of the specific scheme, or schemes you are interested in.

Yes, contents insurance.