In February, our CEO, Catharine Brown, and Head of Good Living, Lynn Toman, attended the The Almshouse Association Research Symposium, which explored how building design can help reduce loneliness and encourage connection while supporting wellbeing in later life.
The event brought together experts and housing providers to share ideas on creating spaces where older people can thrive. We caught up with Catharine to hear about her key takeaways, what inspired her most, and how these insights could shape our work going forward.
What were your key takeaways from the Symposium about tackling loneliness through architecture and community design?
My main takeaway was just how much the design of buildings affects the way people behave and connect with each other. As someone who isn’t a builder or architect, this was all quite new to me, especially the idea that physical spaces can have such a big impact on loneliness and social isolation for older adults.
One of the biggest themes was the importance of ‘spontaneous social encounters’. Interaction doesn’t only happen in formal communal spaces – it often happens by chance, because of how a place is laid out. Put a bench in the right spot, and people will sit and chat. Create a corner where people naturally bump into each other, and conversations happen. It was fascinating to see how much architecture can shape everyday behaviour.
The concept really reminded me of St John’s. Our public pathway through our city centre courtyard brings together locals, visitors, and residents, which creates lots of natural opportunities for interaction. Our second site, Combe Park, works in a similar way, with its flowing courtyard and shared spaces like the Royston Tucker Room and gardens. All of these features gently encourage people to meet, talk, and spend time together.
What idea, insight, or example from the Symposium most inspired you?
One quote that stayed with me was: “residents can see and be seen – and that makes them feel visible, not invisible.” It’s simple, but powerful. Feeling noticed and connected shapes how people experience where they live.
A great example was United St Saviours building, Appleby Blue’s, glass corridor, which faces a peaceful garden on one side and a busy street on the other. In one photo, residents waved at people on a passing bus – a small, everyday moment that showed how thoughtful design can help people feel part of the wider community, rather than hidden away.
What inspired me most was how practical this idea is. It’s not about grand gestures, but designing spaces that naturally connect older adults to each other and the world outside. Good design isn’t just about appearance; it’s about how it makes people feel. When people can see and be seen, they feel included and part of something bigger.
Why are events like this important for bringing almshouse leaders together?
It was great to spend time with other almshouse leaders and share common experiences of helping and understanding the needs of our residents, regardless of where we live. We had conversations about the difference between being alone and being lonely – wildly differing terms when a person can make the choice themselves – and how, as an almshouse provider, we must respect the wishes of people who live with us.
I was also fascinated to learn about the history of almshouses in other countries – the Netherlands and across Europe. Although St John’s might be older than many of our European counterparts, some of them have been offering support since the 1500s.
What concerns or challenges did other almshouse leaders share with you, and how are organisations working to address them?
A key concern was independent living and what that means, particularly for residents when they become unable to live independently. As almshouse providers, we need to support them and make them aware of their choices.
The challenges facing housing and health and social care providers mean this is becoming a more current challenge, because the support that would previously have been available is no longer there. It reflects our residents’ real-life experiences – they aren’t getting care visits or support from social work. Systems are under increasing pressure, and the challenges our residents experience are becoming more acute across the country. This leaves almshouse providers with tough decisions to make when considering the levels of support we provide to our residents.
How will the insights from this event influence St John’s approach to resident wellbeing and community building?
The symposium really reinforced for me just how much thoughtful design can shape resident wellbeing and foster a sense of community. It’s the little, everyday interactions – a wave across the courtyard, or a quick chat on a bench – that help people feel valued.
At St John’s, we’re already thinking about these things in practical ways. Features like the chatty bench in our courtyard and our welcoming community spaces aren’t just nice extras – they play a key role in helping residents connect with each other and with the world outside. I’m really looking forward to the commencement of our almshouse project this year and using the knowledge I have gained – not just from the symposium but from many colleagues in the sector – to provide more thoughtfully designed homes for vulnerable older adults in our community.
