​Groundbreaking!
The newly elected mayor, Penny Lewis, dons helmet and hi-viz and digs the first trench: One small step in a build, one great stride in bringing almshouses for local people to Budleigh Salterton.
 
Tuesday the 27th of May has been Digger Day, a red letter day for the project to bring almshouses for local people to Budleigh Salterton and its surrounding villages. Planning permission had been granted and the site cleared, and on Digger Day foundations were laid by the newly elected mayor, Penny Lewis, cheered on by long term volunteer supporters of the project. The day was, in every sense, groundbreaking.
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Sited next to Seachange, the health and wellbeing hub, the almshouses will receive their first residents in early 2026.
 
"I was delighted to celebrate the next phase to build the Alms Houses by The Shandford Trust, I hope residents will add their support to this worthwhile endeavour." 
​Budleigh Salterton Mayor Cllr Penny Lewis

In 1957, Budleigh Salterton residents converted a guest house at 31 Station Road into Shandford, a residential home offering care for older people of limited means. Managed by a local volunteer committee for over 50 years, it provided professional care and community support.

By 2011, facing increasing challenges, the committee sought a professional care provider. In 2012, The Abbeyfield Society took over, with agreements to maintain the home’s use and ensure any future sale would benefit local people, preserving Shandford’s original charitable purpose.

Their main purpose is to support those older people in need who live within the area of Budleigh Salterton and the villages of East Budleigh, Otterton, Colaton Raleigh and Bicton.

The Almshouse Association serves as the national support organisation for over 1,500-member almshouse charities across the UK. Dedicated to championing the almshouse movement, the Association offers comprehensive information and guidance on a wide range of issues affecting almshouses and their operations. Collectively, these member charities provide homes for approximately 36,000 residents nationwide.
 
Over time, the Association’s services have evolved to meet the changing needs of its members, now encompassing guidance manuals, policy documents, and model templates, alongside training, seminars, interest-free loans, and funding opportunities. Additionally, the Association offers a platform for members to advertise resident vacancies, exchange best practices, and share knowledge through local meetings and an active members’ forum.