The Sheppard Trust is a charitable housing trust. Until recently we were based in Holland Park, West London. We provide homes for older women in housing need, and we support them to live independently. We reduce loneliness and isolation by fostering a supportive community spirit.
Our work contributes towards reducing homelessness, and reduces social care costs by helping residents remain independent and active.
Providing Homes
A secure and comfortable home makes an enormous difference, especially in later years. We offer suitable homes to women who need low cost housing. In today’s competitive property market, our residents have the security of knowing that their homes will remain affordable and well-maintained, and that support is on hand when needed.
We currently provide sheltered housing for up to 29 older women aged 65 years and above. The women that apply to us have often been living in insecure or unsuitable accommodation or become reliant on family or friends. Priority is given to those in greatest need.
How we work
Our work and our services are underpinned by a strong set of values
We aim to provide the highest possible level of service to our residents, that is responsive and meets their changing needs:
- residents should feel comfortable, warm and secure in their homes;
- their independence, privacy and dignity should be respected at all times;
- their homes and all services should be maintained to a high standard;
- they should be well-supported at times of ill-health or other need;
- a mutually supportive community spirit should develop through social activities.
Community Spirit
We aim to foster a neighbourly atmosphere and a sense of community. Residents are active in the local community, and our programme of social and community activities contributes to full and active lives.
Maintaining Independence
Our residents live independently, with the security of knowing that their homes will remain affordable and well-maintained, and that support is on hand when needed.
Staff are available to support residents during the working week and there is access to emergency help 24 hours a day.
We aim to support the health and wellbeing of our residents whilst respecting their individuality and their independence, by providing a tailor-made responsive service.
We help our residents access benefits, health services and social services, and assist when they are unwell. We are not a care provider, but we can help to set up and monitor care packages when they are needed.
Who we are
Our Trustees
We’re led by a voluntary Board of Trustees with a wide range of experience. Their role is to direct future strategy for the Sheppard Trust, to make sure we’re using our resources to maximum effect and to ensure we’re upholding our ethos and values. The Trustees have legal responsibility for the charity’s operation.
There may be up to 11 trustees, and at least four of them must be women. They meet every two months, and they’re helped by three sub-committees:
- the Finance and Investments committee make sure we’re making good use of our resources
- the Appointments and Wellbeing Committee interview women who apply to us and make recommendations to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
- the Project Control Group does detailed work on our future strategy.
The current trustees are:
Linda Davis (Chair)
Martyn Carter
Christina Jordan (Vice Chair)
Keith Perry (Hon Treasurer)
Melanie Saunders
Claire Watson
Neil White
Agnes Woolrich
Our Staff
Clare Scott Booth – Chief Executive
Clare heads up the staff team and is responsible for the day to day management of the Trust, as well as implementing the future strategy, overseeing the building project and setting up our new scheme.
Lisa Smith – Housing Scheme Manager
Lisa is responsible for health and safety, maintenance, housing administration, managing the application process and assisting with setting up the new scheme.