Lisieux Trust's Story

Lisieux Trust was established in 1984.

The initial aim of Lisieux Trust, was to open a residential home within Sutton Coldfield for people with learning disabilities. One of the founder members discovered, through conversation with people at the local church, that there was little or no provision for people with learning disabilities within the Sutton Borough. A group of local volunteers came together, forming a body of Directors. Through vigorous fundraising efforts and support from the church, the Directors decided to obtain registered charitable status in 1986. Upon acquiring this, they approached a local Housing Association, requesting support.

Family Housing Association purchased a derelict house, which was situated in Sutton Coldfield, and obtained a grant for refurbishment work; local fund-raising efforts were then called upon to fully furnish and equip the home.

So, in September 1986, Lisieux House, opened its doors to six people with a learning disability. The service was staffed in a voluntary capacity by people who also came to live in the house; offering a one or two-year commitment before moving on to their chosen career. This community arrangement worked successfully until the early 1990s; when residential care provision rapidly changed with new regulations and working practices. Lisieux Trust adapted to the new ways of working; carers became employees and no longer lived in the house.

Lisieux House proceeded to build itself a favourable reputation as a flagship for the provision of residential care for people with learning disabilities. On this foundation, funds steadily came through and a second residential home, known as Francis House, opened in 1994. Again, Family Housing Association provided support for this; acquiring land situated in Boldmere and building a purpose-built nine-bedroom house; approaching Lisieux Trust to request that we became a Managing Agent, similar to that of Lisieux House.

Within the same year, a developer, who had purchased the land, built two bungalows to the rear of Lisieux House. Lisieux Trust was in a fortunate position; to successfully bid for the outright purchase of one of the bungalows – now known as Bartres Bungalow. Four residents now happily live in the bungalow.

Alongside these early residential homes, the Trust started to provide supported living services in 2001 – enabling people to have more control and independence – and since then we have steadily expanded both models; allowing us to keep growing the number of people that we can support.

In 2025 we’ve got 12 different properties available and hope to open more in the years ahead.