William House

The Almshouses are a block of 54 flats offering sheltered accommodation with a Warden or assistant on call 24 hours. All of the flats are suitable for married couples but there is only one with two bedrooms.

Each flat offers independent living and residents must be capable of looking after themselves and the flat.

The facilities available to residents include a Laundry Room with washing machines and dryers, a Library with books changed on a regular basis by the local authority and a Hairdressing Salon with hairdresser visiting on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Although always encouraging independence not dependence there are various events organised which include monthly coffee mornings, outings and in-house activities.

Applications are considered by the Governors in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Scheme which states:

"Qualifications of residents. The residents of the almshouses shall be poor persons of good character of not less than 60 years of age who (except in special cases to be approved by the Commissioners) are resident in the City of Leicester at the time of appointment."

Applicants must:

a) be in reasonable health and able to look after themselves
b) be able to furnish their accommodation
c) be of limited means

There is a Weekly Charge payable by all residents either from their own resources or, if eligible, by claiming Housing Benefit.

There is a formal application procedure and any one interested should write expressing interest.

In the late 1980's it was acknowledged that the Hospital, while offering excellent sheltered almshouse accommodation, was unable to cope with people who needed a higher degree of care and the possibility of building a residential home was investigated. In 1992 Agnes House was opened.