Mersea Island Trust

Welcome to Mersea Island Trust. Here you will find information about our accommodation for the elderly and Infirm. These pages provide information on the Trust's history and governance, the sites and buildings, and help for tenants. Please select from the menu below.

1.  THE TRUST

Under the provisions of its Declaration of Trust, the trustees of Mersea Island Trust have wide discretionary powers to apply funds for the benefit of the elderly or infirm residents of Mersea Island and, in particular, to acquire and conduct a Home or Homes for elderly or infirm residents of Mersea Island.  There are two such Homes - Akhurst Court and Mersea Court - described as "Sheltered Housing" because a Warden is available.  The Trust has charitable status (Registered No 2060641) and it under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioners, but our tenants have the legal protection afforded all tenants by law and can of course take legal advice about this at any time.

2.   THE SELECTION COMMITTEE

All applicants are interviewed by a member or members of the Selection Committee  and it is made clear to them and to their relatives and friends that nursing care is not at present available.  Applicants must be over 60 and able to look after themselves, with or without support.  In emergency situations such as limited periods of temporary illness or indisposition, the Warden will extend such help as may be practicable/reasonable. Relatives/friends or other professionals must therefore accept responsibility in the case of protracted illness or infirmity.

Applications to the Trust should be made in the first instance by completing an application form which can be obtained from Mersea Island Trust The Selection Committee, Mersea Island Trust. Akhurst Court. Melrose Road, West Mersea.  The Trust promotes equal opportunities. There is therefore no discrimination to any applicants on grounds of age, gender, income, ethnic origin or religion or sexual orientation.

Colchester Borough Council also has powers of nomination, which are normally exercised in co-operation with the Trust's Selection Committee. Applicants are approached with those that have been on the waiting list the longest and living on Mersea Island being approached first. Those that have relatives and live off the Island are approached next and those who are on the waiting list but do not have relatives living on Mersea Island next. Applicants are considered by the Selection Committee when a vacancy occurs irrespective of his or her financial situation.

3.   ORGANISATION

The Trust is run by volunteers who serve on the Main Committee and Sub-committees. The Main Committee meets twice a year or more often, if necessary. There are Sub-committees for Finance and House Management, and working parties, as needed, for future policy.  The two House Committees work in contact with the Wardens of Akhurst Court and Mersea Court, and our policy is to keep formality, official organisation and expenses to a minimum.

4.   TERMS OF TENANCY

Short term Tenancy agreement
You are asked to read your Tenancy Agreement and if you have any queries to discuss them with the Warden, a member of the House Committee, or an external agency.  Every attempt should be made by tenants to be considerate and reasonable, and we believe a friendly atmosphere and personal contact to be most important for all concerned.  Suggestions for improvements to the scheme are always welcome.

5.   RENTS

The rents are fixed without reference to personal or financial circumstances, but many people are entitled to help from the Local Authority Housing Department in meeting their rents and council tax.  If you wish to know what help is available, please consult the Warden the House Chairperson or their deputy.  
Since 1989, rents for new tenants have been fixed by the Trust whose policy it is to follow, so far as practicable, the rent levels established by the Rent Officer as above.  Rents are reviewed ever year.
Your rent is made up of different charges which include heating; lighting and support costs, maintenance, gardening and staff salaries.  In the event that you are granted accommodation all aspects of the rent charge will have to be paid in full, under the terms of your tenancy agreement.  You may be able to claim some assistance to cover rent and support charges in the form of means tested benefits i.e. based on your income/savings.  You can apply for housing benefit from Colchester Borough Council to cover your rent and for assistance from Supporting People to cover the support charge.  The support charge is specifically for housing related support tasks which help you to be independent in your own home by providing a warden, helpline etc.. Please ask your warden or the Chairperson of your Court if you would like some assistance/advice around claiming the benefits as mentioned above.

6.   REPAIRS
The Trust is responsible for repairs and you are responsible for reporting disrepair, and keeping your flat and its fixtures (including strip lighting) clean and in good order.  Although the flat is thoroughly cleaned and decorated before you come in, we hope you will want to furnish it to your own individual taste.

7.   CENTRAL HEATING

Central heating is provided throughout both Courts, and is designed to ensure that daytime temperatures in living areas are between 70-74 degrees Fahrenheit, but somewhat less in corridors. Residents are asked not to interfere with corridor thermostats or radiator valves. Residents are asked to have some form of supplementary electric heating available, in case of failure (this would be the landlords responsibility i.e. MIT), and to give themselves extra heating if they ever feel the need.
8.   INSURANCE
The Trust insures the buildings, fixtures and equipment in the communal areas, but not the contents of your property. You are advised to arrange adequate insurance of your own furniture and effects which the warden may be able to assist you with.

9.   KEYS

It is advisable to have a spare key to your flat and keep it in a safe place, or with a friend or relative.  Chains are provided to be used at the tenant’s choice. In an emergency such as a fall, a fire or a sudden illness the Warden should  be able to enter your flat with the master key to give assistance

10.  LOCKING UP

The main doors are locked by security locks at all times. These close and lock the doors automatically. Please make sure they are securely locked when going out and when returning. This is for everyone's security.

Keys should be carefully kept and not labelled. You are, of course, perfectly free to come and go as you please, but you should lock up when you are going out.  It is advisable for you to let the Warden know and leave the address if you may be in late or away for the weekend, or when you are on holiday.

11.  NOISE

The Trust asks all its tenants to respect the peace and quiet of flats for the elderly. Noise from neighbors or visiting children can be annoying. Televisions, radios, record players etc should be kept at a reasonable volume.  This applies particularly in the late evening and early morning.

12.  THE WARDEN

Our Sheltered Housing comprises a block of flats and is not a Residential or Nursing Home for old people.  Tenants are therefore expected to be able to live independently which may be with the assistance of relatives and friends if necessary, Applicants should be able to do their own cooking, cleaning and household work and other similar tasks with or without support

There is an element within your rent to cover housing related support tasks which may help you to be independent in your own home.  In the event that you need to access other services, the Warden may be able to assist you with contacting them. The Trust wishes to provide some comfort and security for its tenants, in the provision of a Warden's services, and it will make for a contented community if tenants understand their intended function.   

Within reasonable limits, they will do everything possible to ensure your peace of mind, providing help when necessary to overcome day to day problems.  They will be available during certain hours and will normally see each tenant once each day, except on Sundays and statutory public holidays.  Deputies’ will take their place once a week and during Warden’s holidays.
At Akhurst Court, accommodation is provided for the Warden, and a communication system exists between this and each resident's flat. At Mersea Court, the Warden lives at home, and is officially off duty from 10.00pm to 9.15am.  She is, however, available via Colchester Helpline, as is explained in paragraph 13 below. Wardens and deputies are therefore not expected to be on the premises throughout the day.

Communication with the Warden by non-residents is facilitated by the provision of cordless phones and answer phones.  In the case of fairly urgent messages, it is best for relatives to telephone the Warden during the time of the morning rounds.

11. ILLNESS AND EMERGENCY

The Trust regrets that it is not possible for the Warden to provide nursing or feeding care etc, except briefly in emergency. If you are ill or are unable to look after yourself, friends and relatives are asked to ease the situation by providing attention and meals as necessary.  Visits by District Nurses etc might be available through medical agencies.

13.  EMERGENCY HELP / COLCHESTER HELPLINE

Emergency help, e.g. ambulance, fire, doctor etc, is immediately available by contacting Colchester Helpline, with which all residents are connected. This service provides help throughout the day and night, and throughout the year.  
In most cases, the Warden and/or relatives will be contacted by them if the necessary details are given when your personal details are recorded on Colchester Helpline data.  Further information is given in the official pamphlet available.  Residents are required to have their own private telephone in order that Colchester Helpline can be connected to them.

14.  FIRE PRECAUTIONS

There is a modern fire alarm system at Akhurst Court which meets the requirements of the Fire Authority.  When you first take a tenancy, your warden will assist you to make sure you know how the alarm system works and what you have to do in case of fire. At Mersea Court, the flats are separate dwellings, the character and lay-out of which satisfies the Fire Authority.  
The House Committee, through the Warden, will arrange occasional talks to all tenants about action in the case of fire, and may also arrange for fire drill annually, evacuating the flats so that everyone understands the procedure. Please ask the Warden if you have any doubts about fire procedures.

15.  LIVING IN A COMMUNITY
The advantages of living in sheltered accommodation are that, firstly, you have your own front door and can live a completely independent life. Beyond that, if you wish, you can make friends with other tenants, and then there is the Community Lounge for social interaction and meeting other residents. There is no need to be lonely, but you are free to be perfectly private and self-contained in your own flat if you so wish.  
If you need further information or have any queries, please apply to the Warden, or a House or Selection Committee member.
We welcome you to our Sheltered Housing, and we hope your stay will be a long and happy one.

Updated December 2009