About Balkerne Gardens Trust

Balkerne Gardens Trust provides a pathway of support for older people in Colchester, from affordable sheltered housing through to residential, nursing, and end-of-life care. This unique combination means people can access different levels of support as their needs change, while remaining part of a community where they are known, valued and treated with kindness. We are proud of the experience and commitment of our staff, and of the high-quality care and support we provide every day.

Our community enjoys a rich variety of engaging activities, from creative workshops and gentle exercise sessions to seasonal celebrations and social events. Communal lounges and shared spaces encourage day-to-day conversation, while our gardens offer peaceful areas to enjoy fresh air and the beauty of the local surroundings.

 Laughter, companionship and a genuine sense of belonging are at the heart of life here. Thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive families and vibrant mix of residents and tenants, there is always someone to share a moment with and always a reason to feel at home.

Both our Sheltered Housing accommodation and our residential home, Freda Gunton Lodge, sit beside the historic Roman Balkerne Gate. Being only a short walk from Colchester city centre means excellent transport links, shops, Mercury Theatre and local venues are close by, supporting people to maintain their independence. This convenient setting also makes it easy for family and friends to visit, whether they’re popping in briefly or spending the whole day.

Cheviot Nursing Home is located on a quiet private road in Lexden, just outside the city centre. This setting offers a charming and relaxed environment while still providing easy access to local shops, services and amenities.

Across all our locations, we create warm and welcoming environments where people can feel comfortable and at ease. Rooms and apartments provide personal spaces where residents and tenants can relax, settle in and make their surroundings their own.

Surrounded by attractive gardens and inviting communal areas, our homes offer opportunities to connect, unwind and enjoy everyday life, fostering a genuine sense of community and belonging from the moment you arrive.

Every decision we make and every donation we receive help us do more for the people who call Balkerne Gardens home. Donations allow us to go beyond essential care, they are reinvested to enhance daily life at Balkerne Gardens; maintaining our beautiful gardens, improving our homes and creating shared spaces and activities that bring comfort, connection and enjoyment to our community.

While care fees help cover essential services, donations allow us to go further; enhancing our service, maintaining our beautiful gardens and creating welcoming spaces and activities that ensure residents and tenants can continue to live in an environment that feels warm, supportive and truly like home. With your support, we can continue improving life at Balkerne Gardens Trust for today’s residents and tenants, and for generations to come.

Balkerne Gardens Trust is an exempt charity and a Registered Social Landlord, operating as a Co-operative and Community Benefit Society and is also a registered Care Provider. We are governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees drawn from the local community, bringing a wide range of experience and perspectives. Their decisions are guided by a genuine understanding of local community and the well-being of the people who live with us.

We take time to understand what matters most to each person, their interests, routines and the things that help them feel most at home. Residents and tenants remain in control of how they live, while our role is to provide support that fits naturally around their day, rather than asking people to adapt to a rigid routine.

Our mission is simple: to help every person live with confidence, independence and comfort. We treat each resident and tenant as an individual first, providing the right support at the right time and in the right way. Our nursing, care and support teams work closely with each person to understand their needs, preferences and routines, helping them continue to live their lives in a way that feels familiar and reassuring.