Out of the blue
In May 2023 The Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), a registered charity, announced their intention to consult on the closure of 43 Supported Living Facilities for people across the UK. The consultation included The Old Bakehouse, Chadlington.
This type of facility is a home designed for people over 55 with a good level of independence, but with the reassurance of support and companionship if needed. Supported Living allows people their independence while reducing loneliness and associated poor health outcomes associated with solitary living in older age.
Residents at the Old Bakehouse are tenants of ALS with private living space and communal lounge, dining and laundry. The facility is an important community asset, providing supported living for up to 13 older people either from, or related to others in the local community. Over 115 older people have found their home at the Old Bakehouse in the last 40 years.
The Old Bakehouse was gifted to the Chipping Norton and District Abbeyfield Society in the early 1980s, and was transferred to the national Abbeyfield Society in 2003. The site is just under 1 acre of land and buildings.
ALS’ decision to consult on closure was based on estimated costs to ‘bring the building up to environmental standards and to meet modern standards and expectations’. Surveys were conducted by a leading national estate agent.
How we responded
A group of people local to Chadlington, The Friends of The Old Bakehouse (The Friends) entered into negotiations with ALS in July 2023 under a stringent Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Friends examined confidential figures supplied by Abbeyfield. The information provided, together with published accounts for similar sized independently owned homes, and discussion with their Trustees, demonstrate that a community based, not-for-profit organisation could successfully and sustainably manage the facility.
The Friends group included professionals in fundraising, business management, property management, marketing, health service management, training and leadership.
A ‘section 119 valuation’ (valuation under Charity Commission regulations regarding transfer of Charity
assets to a similar Charity) of £430,000 was provided to The Friends in December 2023.
The Friends aimed to acquire and continue to operate The Old Bakehouse as a Supported Living facility, without a break in service to the current tenants, and engaged in lengthy negotiations with ALS to achieve this.
Progress so far
The Friends established The Old Bakehouse, Chadlington. Registered in England and Wales Charity number 1211853, Company number 15469613 to finalise the acquisition and own the facility.
The Company will work towards Registered Provider of Social Housing (RP) status. In the interim a Service level agreement with an established third-party RP will ensure a high level of standards in all aspects and provide assurances to Abbeyfield and the Regulator of Social Housing in terms of governance, the offer to staff and the offer to residents.
Budgets based on current income and expenditure, and comparison with a range of similar facilities demonstrate the ability to fund ongoing repairs and maintenance following comprehensive initial refurbishments. The Friends have plans to increase capacity and revenue at the
facility
Fundraising targets
The Company have developed acquisition and business plans, with a total fundraising target of £912,555 to include:
◦ Acquisition of the site and business as a going concern – £430,000, plus legal fees
◦ 12 months cashflow reserves – £195,000 (to demonstrate our ability to fund the business)
◦ Contingency fund – £25,000
◦ Initial capital refurbishments – £247,555
Current fundraising achieved to date is £630,000.
For more information, including a range of sponsorship opportunities, how to make a donation, set up regular giving or find out about volunteer opportunities:
Email: admin@theoldbakehousechadlington.co.uk
Mobile: 07919 905 753
The Old Bakehouse Chadlington
Registered in England and Wales
Charity number 121185
Company number 15469613
