The John A. Thompson Memorial Trust is a registered charitable company, owning five adjoining properties, in common grounds, in an attractive area of Southsea near Canoe Lake and the seashore. The Trust has been in Southsea since 1967, but its origins go back to 1932, to a mission founded by the Reverend John Thompson in Battersea.

The Trust's houses comprise 38 self-contained flats, providing mainly 1-bedroom accommodation, as well as a communal sun-lounge, the Trust's offices, and catering and laundry facilities. The flats are let as independent living tenancies, with a small number of assisted-living tenants receiving support from the staff with cleaning and catering.

The Trust aims to provide independent living for those in the older age group, based on 'need and circumstance'. This often includes people who may have moved to the area to be near relatives or those on a modest income who are not home owners. Flats are let at below market rent. All buildings have an entry-phone system linked to individual flats, and all flats are fitted with personal alarms. There is access to all floors by stairs, lift, or stair lift. The properties have a night sleeper, so a member of staff is on call around the clock. Daytime staff provide cooked lunches, at cost, that are available to both tenants and older people from the local community.

In keeping with the principle of independent living, the first responsibility for a tenant's welfare lies with the next of kin or a named representative. Personal care, if needed, is provided by outside agencies. However, in an emergency, staff will act for tenants and will advise and advocate for those who have no next of kin or representative.

Although the Trust has its origins in John Thompson's mission in Battersea, today it is respectfully secular. The beliefs of staff, trustees and residents are personal and are not a factor in the day to day running of the Trust.