Taunton Heritage Trust

Taunton Heritage Trust is a historic almshouse charity with 15th-century origins in Taunton Deane, Somerset, evolving from church brotherhoods and philanthropist endowments into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO 1177162), registered housing provider, and Almshouse Association member. Its mission centers on delivering safe, affordable, supportive housing and grants to enable independent living for people aged 60+ facing financial hardship, isolation, bereavement, disability, or homelessness. Guided by values of compassion, elder respect, independence, and local stewardship—overseen by nine Trustees including civic representatives—the Trust fosters dignified community life through 66 equipped flats with warden support, alarms, gardens, activities, and essential aid.

It prioritizes Taunton Deane residents only, funding individual needs like emergency relief, household items, living costs, and medical crises via over 250 annual grants, alongside almshouse accommodation. Support targets vulnerable seniors able to live independently but needing community reassurance, delivered through partnerships with referral agencies.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants require referral from agencies like Social Services, Citizens Advice, or Family Centres, submitted by email by 5pm on the first Thursday monthly for Board review. Typical grants range £100–£500; accommodation applications are rolling with interviews. No funding for organisations, core costs, capital, or projects—exclusively individual aid. Distinctive for its unwavering local focus, heritage-driven sustainability, and integrated housing-grants model differentiating it as a lifeline for Taunton Deane's at-risk elders.