» Christmas Saviour
Phil Mills reports on good news for elderly nurses who thought they would lose their homes
Retired nurses facing losing their homes have received early Christmas cheer that the Church may step in to save them.
The 20 ex-nurses, many in the 70s and 80s, have been living with uncertainty and sleepless nights for more than a year since the Royal College of Nursing said it could no longer afford to keep up the homes and would be prepared to sell to the highest bidder.
The Careways charity earlier this year pulled out of negotations to take over the homes and there were fears no other organisation would be prepared to take on the John Howards Cottages in Roedean Road, Brighton.
But last week, Rev Andrew Manson-Brailsford, vicar of St George’s Church, Kemp Town, announced he was in negotiations with the RCN and the Parochial Church Council (PCC).
He told a contingent of John Howard tenants at the church last week why the Church wanted to step into the breach.
He said: “The homes are in our parish. Some of the tenants attend this church, and the Royal Sussex County Hospital is in our parish. We don’t come with huge amounts of money or a magic wand but we come with expertise and goodwill.”
He said the Charity Commission had approved in principle the transfer of the trusteeship of the homes from the RCN to the PCC and to turn the homes in alms cottages which could open up fund-raising opportunities.
“This business has made me ill with worry and news the Church may step in is wonderful.”
Fr Andrew said £263,000 was needed for repairs and he was investigating ways of raising the money and ways tenants could apply for individual grants to upgrade things like heating.
A loan may be needed, he said, and rents might have to rise by a modest amount to help finance repayments, but much of the rise would be met by increased benefits to tenants who qualify.
A management company would be employed for the day-to-day running of the homes and to supervise maintenance.
The tenants at the meeting voted unaimously in favour of Fr Andrew continuing his negotiations and looking for ways to raise funds.
Some of the residents recently asked the RCN to help find them alternative accommodation but if the Church’s bid is successful then all could remain in the homes.
One elderly resident said: “This business has made me ill with worry and news the Church may step in is wonderful.
“It’s the best Christmas present I could have hoped for.”
