Academic attainment levels have, historically, been lower among children from under-served backgrounds for a variety of complex reasons. The gap between the highest and lowest achieving pupils has been exacerbated over recent years by the pandemic, and schools have faced a challenging task to narrow this disparity back down to pre-COVID levels. The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families has further deepened the complexity of this challenge.
Before the pandemic struck, in February 2020, St John’s Foundation launched an ambitious ten-year strategy and pledge to support under-served children through interventions within our Foundation Fund. The specific aim of our fund is to narrow the attainment gap for Key Stage 2 children living in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES) through a broad range of initiatives. This crucial work will best support children aged 0 to 12 and level out the opportunities for them to thrive.
As part of this strategy, St John’s set in motion a three-year Primary Empowerment Programme (PEP). The programme provides additional support with reading, writing, mathematics and oracy as well as emotional and behavioural support to seven primary schools in BaNES which, together, teach 40% of the region’s most under-served children. Close collaboration with the respective head teachers has helped to shape the programme and direct its focus to where the support would be most beneficial to each school.
Impact: the first two years
At the end of the 2022/23 school year, the PEP completed its second year and initial data indicates a clear movement towards more children meeting expected academic levels for their year group. However, the initiative is not just about hard figures. The wide range of support offered is making a tangible difference to many pupils’ self-confidence and wellbeing, along with the knock-on effects this has on their teachers, school communities and parents.
For example, one strand of support is to fund Free School Meals for non-eligible children in these schools to ensure all pupils have access to nutritious food. With proven links between nutritious food and academic achievement this, in turn, benefits children’s brain development and their ability to concentrate and learn. As well as supporting children’s academic achievements, these measures impact the wider class and teachers, by reducing disruptive behaviour caused by hunger. The initiative also provides support to parents who are struggling to feed their families in these economically challenging times by supporting their financial and mental wellbeing.
Most powerfully, the anecdotal evidence so far has been overwhelmingly positive and far-reaching. Feedback from head teachers often focuses on the difficulty of quantifying the impact of the PEP’s various support streams, as it continues to be so wide-ranging.
One head teacher says that the PEP “has enabled our school to proactively support our children in ways which we would have only been able to dream about without this funding”, adding: “Children now read more books than two years ago and in KS2 they read on average for seven minutes longer each day. They become fluent readers earlier, are proud of their reading and love talking about it. I also feel that the broad range of consultation and training has helped us to move forward and recover much quicker following the pandemic.”
Behavioural and emotional support
One key focus has been around behavioural and emotional support. In the wake of multiple lockdowns, the additional need for help in relation to social emotional and mental health (SEMH), particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been overwhelming for many schools, with long waiting lists to receive any support.
As part of the programme, the schools are receiving training, guidance and support from specialists at Brighter Futures to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for these children and equip the teachers with the tools they need to provide ongoing support. This has in many cases changed schools’ approaches and culture in this area, with positive outcomes such as reduced numbers of suspensions.
Targeted support
Primary Empowerment schools are receiving a range of targeted support around reading, writing and maths provision. This is often in the form of additional staff including a dedicated Reading Teaching Assistant so that children can be heard reading regularly, and resources for one-on-one phonics tutoring. Funds to buy more high-quality books have also facilitated more reading at home. Reporting on progress after the second year of the PEP, head teachers and parents have referred to their children’s improved confidence in reading and this leading to increased willingness to read at home with their parents.
Much of the support provided to PEP schools is through additional resources and training for teachers, helping their professional development but also equipping them with the skills and strategies that will best support their pupils to thrive.
The final year
As the Primary Empowerment Programme enters its final academic year, 2023/24, there continue to be many lessons learned by St John’s, our delivery partners and the schools involved. Outcomes of the programme, both statistical and anecdotal, are being continually gathered to keep the support targeted and relevant. By July 2024 the seven schools will have received invaluable resources to support them in navigating this challenging post-pandemic period and which can be used to continue providing their children with the best opportunities.
There is no simple solution to level up the playing field, but as we move forward in our ten-year strategy, the evidence suggests that the PEP will continue to demonstrate a positive impact over its final year, with progress achieved in a holistic way. The results and lessons learned will inform the nature of future funding initiatives and support, as well as how these schools choose to continue their journey.
Find out more about the Primary Empowerment Programme (PEP) on our website.
Almshouses are the oldest form of social housing. Originating over 1,000 years ago as a means of helping societies’ most vulnerable people, they now play an important role in housing over 36,000 older people and families in over 2,600 locations across Britain. Modern day almshouses provide an affordable living option often specifically designed with an older person in mind. Residents pay a maintenance contribution, which is usually less than the average rent for local properties managed by a council, housing association or private landlord.
With scientific advancements allowing us to live longer, the need for housing options that facilitate the way older adults live has become increasingly more important. Almshouses have evolved into a valuable option for accommodation in modern times and studies have highlighted significant advantages, including the increase of life expectancy by two and a half years.
Research from the Almshouse Longevity Study suggests that living in an almshouse community can alleviate the negative impacts on health and social wellbeing commonly experienced by older people, particularly those living in isolation.
What are the key advantages of almshouses?
One of the most significant advantages of living in an almshouse is the sense of community they foster. Often situated in serene and supportive environments, they create a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share similar life experiences. With loneliness and social isolation being two of the most common issues faced by this age group, access to a supportive community can reduce the risk of adverse health effects linked to depression and poor mental health.
Almshouses often have communal spaces to socialise in and activities on offer. At St John’s, we have a vibrant Activities Programme featuring a range of classes that encourage residents to prioritise their physical health as well as facilitating the building of strong friendships with other residents and people within the wider community.
Islay, a St John’s resident who has lived at our Combe Park location, shared her experiences living in an almshouse and discussed the benefits of making friends and staying active. She said:
“I’ve lived at St John’s for over five years. Anybody of my age will know how difficult it is to make friends. Here that is not the case – you meet them every week at coffee morning.
“We have Pilates classes, which are brilliant. We have a fitness class, sewing classes, craft classes, the number of things you can do is amazing, if you want to. You just run your own life and live totally independently in your home. I love it here – I wish I had come sooner.”
Geraldine, a resident who lives at our City Centre site echoes the support and friendly atmosphere:
“Everyone is lovely here. Residents are lovely, the staff are absolutely excellent – they all do whatever they can for you, they’re always there if you need them. It’s social and you can do whatever group you want, ballet or whatever you fancy. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone.”
One of the common fears among older people is the loss of independence and dignity as they age. Almshouses actively work to combat this fear by creating an environment that empowers residents to make their own choices and live life on their terms. With appropriate support such as St John’s advice service, technology workshops and pastoral care, older individuals can maintain their independence for longer, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
At St John’s, we’re proud to provide almshouses that give residents a sense of belonging while addressing the struggles of loneliness and poor wellbeing and instead promote good living, independence and community. .
Find out more about our Almshouse offering here.
In 2020, St John’s launched the Foundation Fund, with the overarching ambition of levelling the educational playing field to ensure all children across our region meet age-related standards.
For this vision to become a reality, our work is focused on three main areas: access to nutritious food and safe spaces, emotional and behavioural support, and support with literacy, oracy and numeracy.
Early Years
Evidence has shown us the importance of speech and language development in young children; it is fundamental in supporting children to learn while providing them with the communication skills they require to manage their emotions and behaviours. Under-served children can present with reduced speech and language skills compared to their peers, leading to an early language gap. If a child requires additional help with their development, then it is vital it is identified at the earliest point and the appropriate support measures are put in place.
This is why, as part of the work of the Foundation Fund, we partnered with Bath and North East Somerset Council and HCRG Care Group to create the Language for Life programme.
Language for Life
Since its launch, the Language for Life project has engaged with 23 early years settings across BaNES, working with children from birth to five years old. The programme specifically focuses on training ‘early years’ practitioners to use the WellComm assessment toolkit to screen oracy and communication in children against age-related standards.
Starting in the 2021/22 academic year, the Programme has already screened and identified 285 children (36% of those screened) who require and will be receiving language and communication support. Children will be re-screened periodically to check their progress, and where specialist support is required, a referral is made.
Why does this matter?
The early support children receive through Language for Life is vital as it identifies any issues and addresses them immediately, reducing the risk of children falling behind when they start school. Those receiving support through Language for Life will be able to start school with language and communication skills in line with their peers. If a child still requires support at the point of joining Reception, their teachers are made aware as part of their handover with their pre-school setting, and measures are put in place.
Early year settings
The settings within the programme have fed back that the Language for Life project has helped their early Years Practitioners to grow their confidence when implementing early interventions for children with speech and language needs, and it has improved their awareness of the pathways of support that are available to them. “The Language for Life project has had a really positive impact – there are far fewer children starting school with language skills that are below age expectations… we are more aware, (and) can get early intervention in situ” (School based nursery setting).
The Language for Life project is coming to the end of its second pilot year. The feedback from practitioners, families and children has shown an overwhelmingly positive impact. Data suggests the outcomes from the second year will be far more positive than the first year. “Our results are fantastic and the majority of our children in Early Years are screening green. This has been a wonderful opportunity and enriched the learning experiences of our children.” (School based nursery setting)
It’s exciting to witness the difference the project is making to these children and see the opportunities it offers to them. Find out more about the impact of the early years work, in our 2021-22 academic year impact report.
BaNES schools come in above average against national expected learning standards, but these figures disguise significant disparities in the region where the gap between the highest and lowest achieving pupils remains stark. The government has set a target for 90% of primary school leavers to reach expected learning standards by 2030, but what is being done on a local and national level to achieve this, and address the attainment gap?
In July, results from Year 6 national Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) revealed that whilst standards increased or remained the same across most individual subjects compared with last year, reading levels among these pupils in England fell. Overall, the combined reading, writing and maths (RWM) levels remain lower than pre-COVID nationally, with 59% reaching the expected level at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2), compared with 65% in 2019.
In BaNES, whilst the regional break down of Sats figures are not yet available for the 2022/23 cohort, in the previous year 60% of pupils in the region reached the expected standard in RWM combined, just ahead of the 2021/22 national figure of 59%, and South West level at 57%. However, this was still markedly below the 67% pre-COVID level in BaNES.
These figures do not paint the full picture. Attainment levels are generally lower among under-served children in the community for a complex combination of reasons. In the 2023 Strategic Evidence Base for BaNES report, the percentage of pupils identified as ‘disadvantaged’ that reached the expected standard in RWM combined in 2021/22 in the region was significantly lower than England, standing at just 34%, compared to 43% nationally.
While equality of access to a good education is critical to reducing the attainment gap, it is only part of the story. Physical, behavioural and emotional needs of children, including access to nutritious food, all play factors in narrowing the gap.
What is happening nationally to narrow the gap?
On a national level, there are various programmes and funding schemes in place, some existing and some new, that are designed to reduce the educational attainment gap over the coming seven years and reach the 2030 target. For example, half of tutoring costs will be funded through the National Tutoring Scheme in 2023-4, a rise on the government’s previous commitment. Since 2018, investment into an English Hubs Programme and latterly Maths Hubs has aimed to develop expertise in teaching reading and maths in primary schools. The Department for Education is also updating its existing Reading Framework to cover KS2 and KS3, providing guidance on how teachers can help pupils who need additional support, and reviewing ‘good practice in teaching of writing’ as a resource for schools.
Despite a shelved Schools Bill in 2022, some elements of its proposals remain, including a focus on attendance to support sustained learning. Programmes such as the Phonic Screening Check in Year 1 are designed to pick up those who need further support and specific funding packages such as Local Needs Funding are aimed at supporting the most under-served pupils to boost literacy, numeracy and attendance. It is yet to be seen whether these initiatives will be enough.
What is the picture in Bath and North East Somerset?
Whilst BaNES ranks as one of the least deprived local authorities in England (ranked 269 out of 317 with 1 being the most deprived), inequality is widening in the region and deprivation remains significant in certain areas, with Twerton West and Whiteway falling within the most deprived 10% nationally. These areas typically see the widest attainment gap, with a disparity between children eligible for Free School Meals and those not.
St John’s are working towards levelling the playing field and narrowing the attainment gap for Key Stage 2 children locally through our Foundation Fund. We are working with numerous delivery partners on a broad range of programmes that support children from 0 to 12 years. These programmes cover oracy and communication in the pre-school years to foundational reading, writing, oracy, maths and behavioural and emotional support throughout primary school.
A significant part of our work is through the Primary Empowerment Programme where we are working with seven local primary schools which are attended by 40% of the most disadvantaged children in the region. With the proven links between nutritious food and academic achievement, funding school meals for non-eligible children at these schools – some of whom are from families that may only be just above the eligibility threshold – is one important aspect of our support. This sits alongside funding for additional help with learning for those most under-served children, ensuring that effective interventions and tools are available.
With the recent close of the 2022-23 school year, the Programme has just completed its second of three years. Initial indications at the end of year one suggested that children eligible for Free School Meals (or pupil premium funding) across the seven PEP schools may be closing the gap between their non pupil premium peers more quickly than the national average. However, until the data from year two has been reviewed and assessed for progress, it is not possible to draw firm conclusions. Nonetheless, alongside the national initiatives to help schools reach the goal for 90% of primary school leavers to reach expected learning standards by 2030, St John’s is playing a key role in BaNES, where the attainment gap is stark, to ensure there are additional region-wide projects and resources in place to help provide all children with the same chances to live happy, healthy lives and benefit from a strong educational foundation.
Here at St John’s, we understand that living in poverty can have a devastating impact on a person’s wellbeing and mental health. As increasing numbers of people are finding themselves struggling to make ends meet, we have seen a rise in furniture poverty across Bath and North East Somerset.
Having a home without any furniture can be demoralising and that is why we work in partnership with charities and local organisations, such as Curo to provide a lifeline to those needing support.
We are able to provide financial support to families and individuals who are struggling financially, typically by purchasing those essential items such as beds, white goods, and furniture. We are also able to fund services such as counselling, debt support and basic employment skills and training.
Helping people like Eddy to regain his independence is at the heart of what we do at St John’s, and we are proud to support the amazing work being delivered across our region.
“Cosy Start gave me a fresh beginning without any of the struggles”
Talented musician Eddy Allen has the foundations for a new beginning, thanks to Curo’s Cosy Start pilot scheme.
The pilot offers residents a furnished home when they start a tenancy, helping them to stay out of debt.
“Cosy Start is amazing,” says Eddy, who lives in Bath. “Having all the furniture and white goods in my flat meant that I could feel instantly at home. I can have guests round and feel proud that my home has everything I need.
“I am an addict who is in recovery, so I can get anxious sometimes. Cosy Start meant that I had one less thing to worry about when I moved in.”
Eddy had been living in hotels, having previously been homeless. “I love cooking, but obviously could not do that in the hotels, so I had to rely on takeaways and other unhealthy food. Having a cooker already installed in my flat means I have been able to make meals from scratch again – including my favourite penne pasta with chicken and homemade pesto!”
Eddy says having a stable home is a welcome change for him. “I’ve travelled around the UK and to other countries since I was 15 years old,” he says. “This flat is a chance for me to have some stability as I concentrate on my recovery.”
It is also an opportunity for the guitarist to record his music (eddyallenmusic.co.uk) and he has set up a home studio in a corner of his living room. “I’m so grateful for a chance to work on my creative projects,” says Eddy. “Cosy Start gave me a fresh start without any of the struggles.”
What is furniture poverty?
Cosy Start aims to tackle the problem of furniture poverty. This is defined as the inability to access, or afford to buy or maintain, any household furniture or appliance that is essential to achieving a socially acceptable standard of living.
The financial impact of furniture poverty is considerable – and set to get worse. For an average household:
- Living without a cooker adds £2,100 to a food bill
- Living without a fridge/freezer adds £1,365 to a food bill
- Living without a washing machine adds £1,000 washing expenses
- Living with faulty or inefficient white goods adds over £100 to energy bills
The homes included in Curo’s pilot scheme were furnished with a bed and mattress, fridge freezer, washing machine, oven, sofa, wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside table. Resident also got a welcome pack that included a kettle, toaster, four cups, bowls, plates and glasses, saucepans, cutlery, and bedding.
Emma Owens, Director of Customer Accounts and Lettings at Curo, says: “The pilot means we can offer around 20 furnished tenancies. We will be measuring the outcomes of the pilot and, if it is successful, hope to offer it more widely.”
As a society, we have seen a sharp increase in the cost of food over the last 18 months. Staples such as eggs and milk have risen by 37% and 33%, respectively, compared with 12 months ago. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced in April that the annual inflation rate for food stood at 19.1% – close to record highs – with even the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, admitting it was ‘worryingly high’.
As food price inflation hits close to a 45-year high, food poverty has become a reality for many families and individuals across our region. Rising prices are having a daily impact on the food Bath and North East Somerset residents can afford to buy for themselves and their families.
Whilst Bath and the wider region is often considered prosperous, there is in fact deep inequality here. Food poverty is increasingly a risk, or a reality, for many of our residents. This disparity is well illustrated by the fact that BaNES is ranked as low as 269 out of 317 Local Authorities in England for overall deprivation. Whilst BaNES may present as one of the least deprived in the country, two areas in the region fall within the most deprived 10 per cent nationally.
In their 2022 Strategic Evidence Base for Bath and North East Somerset report, BaNES Council estimates across the region there are 4,000 people who will fall into absolute poverty in 2022/23, of whom 1,500 are children. This is an alarming figure and skyrocketing food prices are impacting – and will continue to impact – a far greater number of residents than this. In fact, in a BaNES 2022 survey of Children and Young People’s Health, carried out across 39 primary schools, 10 per cent of pupils said they had not had anything to eat before they started their lessons on that day.
Research has clearly shown the impact that nutritious food has on a child’s brain development, behaviour and academic performance at school, making food poverty a significant contributor to the striking educational attainment gap in BaNES. This is why St John’s Foundation has pledged to support the children attending their Primary Empowerment Schools who are not entitled to free school, to have the opportunity to access free hot meals at school until July 2024. It is so important that families struggling to put food on the table receive support to help them through the cost-of-living crisis, which, in turn, supports their children to thrive at school.
St John’s work goes further than free school meal provision – they are also working with other local stakeholders and national organisations to eradicate the need for emergency food provision and address the inequalities in educational attainment across Bath and North East Somerset. Through the Nutritious Food and Safe Places programme, funding is awarded to FareShare, as well as several other local projects, to deliver food to families, food banks, food clubs and pantries that provide access to nutritious food to those who need it most in the area.
This considerable uptake seen from this programme, paints a picture of the circumstances in which some of our families and children are living day to day.
Organisations are working to remove the stigma attached to the receipt of support for food poverty so that local communities can access healthy, affordable food in a dignified manner. The BaNES Food Finder provides a list highlighting food clubs and pantries available in Bath and North East Somerset provided by organisations offering affordable food or emergency food parcels.
Even with the incredible work being delivered by local organisations and charities across the region, modern-day hunger still exists. St John’s will continue to work along our partners to eradicate food poverty through projects and campaigns that change policy and practice at national and local levels.
Taking pleasure in gaining a new skill is something we experience regardless of our age. The joy of learning doesn’t stop when we reach a certain age milestone and the curiosity to discover new things is as present in adults as it is in children. Here at St John’s, we offer those over the age of 55 living in Bath and North East Somerset a vibrant programme of activities and events, where the discovery of learning, wellbeing and independence is at the heart of all our classes.
We have over 15 different classes on offer, with ballet being one of the favourites. It isn’t necessary to know your plié from your pointe or to be able to leap around the room á la Darcey Bussell or Carlos Acosta to reap the health benefits of ballet. More and more over 55s are taking up the classes to improve their core, balance, strength and flexibility, and to take part in an activity that unleashes their inner dancer.
Of course, ballet is not the only option we offer that boosts wellbeing and physical fitness. Over the last year, we’ve increased the number of classes on offer due to a surge in demand since the end of lockdown restrictions in 2021.
During the pandemic, our activities programme was forced to migrate online. This proved to be invaluable for many of our almshouse residents and the wider community across Bath and North East Somerset both in terms of ensuring a sense of social inclusion and aiding better physical and mental health. As soon as we were permitted to welcome people back to our venues, the appetite among the community to get moving has been insatiable.
There is a myriad of reasons for this, ranging from an increased sense of companionship and developing new friendship groups, to a genuine desire to stay physically active. It could also be simply that participating in such activities is an enjoyable thing to do – especially when followed by a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
We all know that as we age, our risk of developing mental health conditions increases. According to the World Health Organisation, one in five (20%) of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder.
Physical exercise such as yoga, ballet, and pilates can have a direct impact on boosting an individual’s mood, reducing stress and anxiety. So too can other group-based activities like tai-chi and stitching. This in turn has been shown to help older adults overcome clinical depression.
The risk to our physical health also increases as we get older. Muscle mass decreases by up to 8% per decade after the age of 30 with the rate increasing by the time we reach 60. This can cause challenges for people, such as vulnerability to falls and injury and reduced mobility.
This further highlights the importance of staying active for oneself. Our activities programme offers a range of low resistance-high impact exercises that can have enormous physical benefits in slowing many age-related health issues or even prevent them from occurring in the first place.
If you are aged 55 years or older and live in the Bath and North East Somerset region, take a look at St John’s good Living activities and try something new today!
When inequality exists at the outset of a child’s life, the cycle often perpetuates into their adult years. Those who are under-served during their early education can fall behind their age-related expectations, and by the time they reach working age often have not had the same support or access to career signposting and development opportunities as other children from more affluent families. Similarly, they are less likely to understand how best to take responsibility for their health and well-being and how to access support in these areas, so that health and other inequalities will also exacerbate the challenge of achieving good life outcomes for those who are under-served.
To help tackle these major inequalities, I, along with representatives from a variety of Bath and North East Somerset organisations, have established a dynamic new community-focused group – Opportunity For All.
The group – a subgroup of BaNES Council’s Future Ambition Board – will have a particular focus on the issue of poverty, education, and health, and we will be looking to support those most at risk of falling on the wrong side of the inequalities divide when moving into employment.
With a view to addressing economic inequality and poverty, our initial focus is to tackle unemployment across the region, with a particular emphasis on supporting those under-served to find, and secure work, as well as creating an access point to gain stronger career development pathways. The initiative is timely, given data from Local Government Inform (LG Inform) which shows that in BaNES, unemployment reached 4.3% in the final quarter of 2022, compared with 1.8% in the same period in 2021. With a wealth of excellent education institutions in the area, a thriving business and tourist hub and intelligence which suggests many employers are struggling to fill vacancies, this simply should not be the case.
Inequality in BaNES and the challenges faced by the Opportunity for All group are complex and entrenched, but together, the partners aim to remove the barriers faced by members of our communities when it comes to finding jobs across the region to create a more fair and equal society.
At St John’s, we understand the stark education attainment gap that exists across the region through our Foundation Fund work that aims to level the playing field across BaNES by supporting children to meet their potential. It is our job to spearhead initiatives that will positively impact our communities and improve children’s lives; we work with many organisations to deliver on this vision. It is also our duty to support other local projects because it is only through partnership and collaboration that we can make our communities stronger and fairer: a holistic approach is key.
The focus of Opportunity For All chimes well with St John’s work, not only with the Foundation Fund, but also through our Crisis Programme and Good Living Service. Much like our work with local delivery partners without whose knowledge, expertise and networks we could not implement our own initiatives, this new group is all about pooling collective experience and insights so we can bring about positive social change.
In today’s evolving world, handling the complexities of ever-changing administration and guidance can be challenging for older adults to keep on top of.
Studies have shown that the effects of advice services on the health of older adults are positive, and they can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. At St John’s, we provide a free advice service as part of our Good Living Service for almshouse-residents and anyone over the age of 55 living in Bath and North East Somerset.
Our service offers signposting, one to one support, tutorials, and lectures, all of which aim to provide help to mature adults, ensuring they can enjoy their independence and feel supported when handling their affairs.
Although there is a lot of advice out there, it can be a minefield to navigate, and for those who may struggle with technology, online information may alienate people. Our advice service is people focused and supports individuals to access the appropriate support in a variety of topics; anything from legal advice to accommodation and finances. Our team of Advisors can share their knowledge across a variety of areas and can signpost to external organisations who can provide advice on retirement planning or financial management.
This year, in particular, we have helped older adults navigate the cost-of-living crisis. With rising energy bills and food prices, it’s no surprise that older adults are struggling financially. Whether it’s helping people find ways to cut down costs or tips on planning for the uncertain future, we have provided residents and the wider community with helpful guidance that supports their financial wellbeing.
At St John’s, our main aim is to positively impact lives and we believe our advice service increases the confidence of those we help. The knowledge they gain via the service can help them to make more informed decisions, allowing them to not feel overwhelmed and gain a sense of control.
Those who find benefit in our advice service may also enjoy our activities programme. With a vibrant curriculum of activities and events, our almshouse community and over 55s can choose to get involved in anything from sports, cooking, art and music to support their well-being and further enhance independent living in the community.
The importance of maintaining an active mind and body whilst steering away from stress and anxiety helps older adults live positive independent lives. Find out more about our services here.
As societies across the world continue to age, the issue of marginalisation of older people has become a pressing concern.
With advancements in healthcare and increased life expectancy, the global population of older adults is increasing dramatically. For the first time in history, adults 60 and over are now the fastest growing group in our population. According to the World Health Organisation, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to double by 2050, and to triple by 2100. Since 2011, in Bath and North East Somerset alone, we have seen an increase of 17.5% in the number of residents aged 65 years and over.
In an aging society, it is essential to provide resources and support for older adults to maintain their health and well-being such as access to medical care, social services, and opportunities for social engagement. Despite their significant contributions to society, older people often face discrimination, neglect, and exclusion due to their age. This form of marginalisation can have far-reaching impacts on their physical and mental well-being, financial security, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Impact on Mental Health
Negative attitudes towards older adults can have a major impact on their wellbeing with studies showing that it can lead to increased stress and poorer health outcomes. Negative experiences, such as being spoken down to or patronised can have a significant impact on mental health. Equally, if an individual experiences ageism in the workplace, or misses the routine of working life once they have retired, this can have a detrimental impact on their state of mind.
Social isolation and loneliness often follow and are well documented problems too often faced by our older community members. Social connections and interactions are essential to mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing.
As well as having our own extensive activities and learning programme, our Good Living team also work with local partners and community groups that make a huge difference to the lives of older adults. To find the right group of service for you, please contact our team on 01225 486401.
Physical Health
Familiarity is important to us and, as we age, many people wish to continue to live in their own home. Unfortunately, there are two million households amongst those aged 55 and over, which do not meet basic living standards. As well as creating a cause of stress and concern for the inhabitants, living in these circumstances can also increase the risk of accidents and developing serious health problems.
St John’s offers high-quality almshouse accommodation to support older adults wishing to continue to live independently and in a community of likeminded people. Our residents often get involved in various social activities and through this, friendships blossom and connections are made, thus positively impacting overall health and wellbeing.
Financial Wellbeing
Finances can be a major stressor for older adults. No longer being in paid work can cause frustration, and navigating the burdens of living in today’s society can take its toll.
Our Good Living team offers an Advice Service for alms-residents and over 55s in Bath and North East Somerset. The aim is to enhance knowledge through educational talks and tutorials, to provide support to older adults when managing their finances.
In conclusion, the marginalisation of older people is a significant issue that affects individuals, families, and society as a whole.
It is essential to recognise the value and contributions of older adults and to promote policies and programs that support their inclusion, dignity, and quality of life. This includes efforts to combat ageism, ensure equal access to healthcare and social services, and provide opportunities for social engagement and meaningful work. By addressing the marginalisation of older people, we can build a more just and equitable society for people of all ages.
