Housing choices

Anglicans

In the Anglican Church, a wife is entitled to remain in the Vicarage for at least three months after her husband has resigned from the post. This can be extended in certain circumstances. If you need support, discuss housing options with the Bishop's Visitor.

When the wife has no private resources, housing is obtainable through the Visitor, who may suggest contact with the local Authority, Housing Associations, or a Value Added Link Loan. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the Church to provide suitable housing and they may be able to suggest:-

Bromley College

The College was founded in 1666 to provide houses for clergy widows in converted flats. Now divorced and separated spouses of clergy may be admitted. For more information write to the Chaplain's Office, Bromley College, London Road, Bromley, Kent. BR1 1PE or phone 020 8460 4712 or e-mail bromcoll@aol.com

Symbol of new life

Non-Anglicans

On the whole, other Churches have insufficient means to provide housing for divorced and separated wives. In some circumstances, however, they can stay for a limited time in the present accommodation. The matter is under consideration by some Churches and the Church of Scotland is now considering giving assistance with housing.

Foundation of Edward Storey

The Foundation's aim is to relieve financial hardship and/or provide accommodation for unsupported women over 40 who are in need and who fall into certain limited categories. These include widows, divorced or separated wives of clergymen of the Church of England, or women closely involved in the work of the Church who are over 40 years old. The Foundation offers cash, one-off payments, regular payments, equipment or goods. They will only help separated or divorced wives of clergy of the Church of England. Apply for sponsorship from your Diocesan Bishop's Visitor.

For more information phone 01223 364405 or e-mail storeyscharity@aol.com.

Or write to Storey's House, Mount Pleasant, Cambridge. CB3 0BZ

Low cost housing database

Click on www.housingnet.co.uk for information on many types of low cost housing like the Newton Housing Group; Schemes to part rent and part buy; Housing Associations; shared ownership etc. The information is free and covers the whole of the country.

Nursing Homes

The Pensions board has only one Nursing Home at Hindhead in Surrey. There are various supported housing schemes across the country but no residential care homes.