FAQs

What is a Housing Association?

Housing Associations are one of the country?s major providers of homes for rent. They are independent non-profit making organisations and many have charitable status.
Housing Associations provide accommodation, which is a varied as the communities they serve, including family homes, flats, wardens assisted sheltered accommodation for older people and specially adapted homes for people with special needs. They offer affordable and market cost housing.
Lewisham Park Housing association specialises in day care and supported housing for the ethnic minority older people and is a local housing association operating throughout the South East of London.

Who is in charge of LPHA?

The management committee (The board) has overall responsibility for determining the policies of the association and is legally responsible for its governance and activities. Lewisham Park Housing has a board of 13 members. In addition it has a number of members of the association who can attend the AGM and vote in the board. The board also appraises all care activities and monitors and reviews performance against the approved business plan. In addition it is responsible for the quality of the housing and developing best value.

Who Finances LPHA?

The Housing project initially received funding through a capital Funding Grant from the Housing Corporations and private sector finance (Lewisham Council and Hyde Housing Association) with support from the Local authority under the BME initiative. The scheme is self-funding and manages its affairs through direct rent collection and contracts.

How is LPHA linked with local government?

The Organisations main stakeholders are Lewisham Borough Council.

 How big is LPHA?

We currently have two-day centres and one purpose built sheltered housing scheme. The sheltered housing scheme situated within St Mauritius house comprises of 37 self contained units of accommodation.

How long has it been operating?

Lewisham Park Housing Association (LPHA) originally known as St Mauritius Housing Association was established in 1984 to provide sheltered housing for London's growing number of African-Caribbean elders whose needs were not being met by more traditional established housing associations.

How unusual are Housing Associations reserved exclusively for use by elderly Afro-Caribbean?s?

We were the only organisation in London that provided a culturally focused service to elderly people from specific ethnic backgrounds, and now the service we have offered since 1989 to the African Caribbean community have been recognised by other ethnic groups and we are currently offering services to Turkish and Asian Muslin Elders. We are keen to extend our unique product to other groups and look forward to the future with keen anticipation.

How can I show my support for LPHA?

If you wish to give a donation we would request that you ring us on the contact number. We would need to know who you are , and what you wish the donation to be used for. This can range from anything from paying a Day Centre Clients fees to Purchase of equipment.

 How extensive is the care provided to members and tenants? Is it similar to that supplied by an old age home?

Many People misunderstand sheltered housing schemes. They may have memories of their grandparents in an ?old people?s home? and imagine rows of elderly people sitting in chairs in front of the T.V all day everyday. But it?s not like that at St Mauritius House; here is a sheltered housing complex, offering a wide range of support services. Tenants at St Mauritius live independent lives, as they would outside the scheme, with the added support of having a care plan put in place, which is kick started when necessary. The apartments offer plenty of room for possessions, guests and personal space; and most of all; everyone has absolute choice over how they run their lives. What St Mauritius House provides is safety, comfort, extended family support and a warm community and a home for life for those of us who can no longer look after ourselves.

Can I just walk into one of the day care centres anytime I like?

Yes, as a tenant of St Mauritius House you would have access to the Day centre as part of the package of care and support.

Day Centre members are usually referred to us by Social services for an agreed number of days a week, or you can apply in person. If you wish to look into finding a place in the day centre please contact one of our Day Centre Managers on 02083145391

Do LPHA purchase or hire private properties?

A: No, LPHA is a registered charity.

How connected is LPHA with what?s going on in Lewisham?

As a Lewisham based organisation we seek to fill our vacancies through the local Job Centre or local Job Agencies in a drive to support our local Community.

I have a friend who attends LPHA. Can I visit him/her any time I like?

You can certainly visit, but visitors are not allowed into the main Day Centre area. Contact a member of staff and they will bring your friend to you in the meeting area.

I would like to work at LPHA. What kind of positions does it offer?

We are a growing organisation and are always seeking good calibre people for a variety of job opportunities to play a vital role in meeting the needs of a wide range of vulnerable people. Please look at our ?About Us? section of this website to view any vacancies within LPHA.