Residents

Independent living, community and support

St Mary’s is a historic almshouse charity, rooted in a medieval Christian hospital and still providing independent homes for residents today.

Life at St Mary’s

St Mary’s Hospital is a Christian foundation which provides a home for up to 40 residents in the medieval hospital, nearby buildings and the former Dears almshouses on St Pancras.

Residents live independently but can draw on support from the Scheme Manager and Custos when required.

Support and Community

Scheme Management

Day-to-day practical support is available through the Scheme Manager and support team.

Custos / Chaplain

The Custos is concerned with residents’ pastoral and spiritual needs and chapel worship.

Chapel life

Residents are encouraged to attend morning prayers in chapel during the week.

Shared setting

Gardens, courtyards and central Chichester surroundings help support community life.

Safeguarding

St Mary’s Hospital is committed to the protection of everyone who lives in or visits the homes it provides. Safeguarding individuals who are vulnerable due to age, disability or illness — and who may be less able to protect themselves — is a particular priority, and St Mary’s is committed to ensuring that safeguarding matters are addressed promptly, fairly and sensitively.

The Scheme Manager is our designated Safeguarding lead, but concerns regarding safeguarding may be reported to any member of staff, a Trustee, or to an appropriate statutory agency such as the Police or West Sussex Adults Social Care. Full details of our Safeguarding Policy, which was reviewed by Trustees in April 2025, are available on request.