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.
Philanthropic projects and wellbeing initiatives within a community cannot function on the goodwill of local people alone. Instead, their success is dependent on government grants, funding and support – a space which is exceptionally competitive.
Such resources are of course finite. Any government/national funding initiative is not a bottomless pot of money and difficult decisions need to be made about which areas and projects are most in need of these precious funds. This allocation of resources is decided through numerous levels of assessment.
However, when it comes to generalised perceptions about which areas of the country most need support, it can be easy to make widespread assumptions about the cities that are seemingly thriving.
This is a challenge we face in our city of Bath. There is a perception that our community is made up of wealthy, deprivation-free families and individuals that do not require financial support. Yet, hidden beneath the glossy exterior of Bath and North East Somerset are pockets of deprivation and communities who need support.
Here at St John’s Foundation, we work with a wide range of under-served people, from those unable to afford a home, to families relying on food banks and schools with limited funds. At the end of last year BaNES Council revealed that 43% of people in our community reported difficulty paying fuel bills over winter.
We know from our own experience that there are many more on the brink of being unable to afford to meet their basic needs. It is estimated that over 4,000 people across BaNES will fall into absolute poverty this year including 1,500 children. This is a true reflection of the extent of poverty in the community. Financial distress is not reserved for only certain sections of society, it can impact anyone at any time, and can only take one small crisis to tip someone into needing our support.
It is therefore crucial that as a society, we do not take things at face value. For instance, just because a school exists on the outskirts of a wealthy city like Bath, does not mean their resources are abundant. In fact, the work we are funding across seven schools in the region has shown that some parents are struggling to provide their children with the three basic meals a day – this is why we have stepped in to provide nutritious school meals every day for over 700 children attending these schools.
Instead, government initiatives should endeavour to consider issues on a case-by-case basis, rather than pigeonholing them with the city in which they belong. No matter the prosperity of the town, there will always be sections of society in need of support and in areas where this might be overlooked by government funding, community initiatives and charities working on the ground will be crucial. Not only are they more agile – able to adapt to the shifting needs of an ever-evolving population – but they are also part of the community in which they serve – meaning they have a greater understanding of where support is required, rather than where it appears to be needed.
As our society ages, it is becoming increasingly important for us to shift our attitudes towards older adults. Traditionally older members of our community have been revered for their wisdom and life experience. However, as our world evolves, families and communities are more fragmented, living in different places and embracing differing cultures, leaving many older adults at risk of feeling isolated and marginalised. Here at St John’s, we are passionate about ensuring the ageing process is a positive experience, which is why we want to change the stigma around older adults.
For the first time in history, adults aged 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. In Bath and North East Somerset alone, since 2011 we have seen an increase of 17.5% in the number of residents aged 65 years and over.
With figures such as these, we would expect to see more age-friendly communities and opportunities for older adults. Sadly this is not the case – The state of ageing 2022 report suggests that ‘the experience of being older in England is getting considerably worse for many’ which applies to a number of domains including financial security, life expectancy, disability and loneliness.
No matter a person’s age, most people have a tenacious hold on independence; they want to make their own decisions, support themselves financially, and take care of their own physical and emotional needs. According to the National Institute on Ageing the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years. With the increasing number of older adults in our society, it is essential that older adults continue to have the opportunity to contribute to our society and not get side-lined in favour of younger generations.
One issue being faced on a national, as well as local level, is that as our population ages and retires, we have started to experience crucial gaps in our workforce. This issue was only accelerated by the pandemic when many more older adults chose to stop working. A Government Office for Science report states ‘The future success and resilience of the UK will be determined in a large part by its ageing population. Nowhere is this more apparent than the productivity of the UK workforce, which will see a major increase in the number of workers aged 50 and above.’ Inclusive initiatives that encourage older adults to remain in the workforce are helping to remove barriers. The development of services can lead to older adults becoming better off financially and mentally, as well as giving them the opportunity to remain active and involved in society.
Learning does not stop when people reach a certain age milestone. Continuing to learn in our older years promotes mental health and wellbeing. Challenging our brains and setting goals is strongly associated with a positive outlook in life and contributes to heightened self-esteem. This is why our Good Living Service offers regular educational talks and tutorials for those that want to continue their learning. Talks include subjects such as local interests, historical topics, ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ and practical support.
It is a universal truth that all people age, so why would we discriminate against our future selves? Our older citizens provide an invaluable contribution to society and their wealth of knowledge and experience can be shared and treasured. For the benefit of us all, our society’s attitude towards older adults needs to shift to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, that recognises, values and respects each and every individual.
Find out more about the support we offer to older adults here.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of all the women we know and admire. This year we are taking the opportunity to celebrate the power and wisdom of women.
As we move through our lives, we acquire understanding and wisdom that comes from living through experiences – both positive and negative. At St John’s, we believe in the importance of embracing our experiences and sharing our knowledge to contribute to the creation of communities where everyone can thrive.
Celebrating women starts with recognising our power, and that walks hand in hand with acknowledging our past as much as preparing for our future. Sharing our stories and wisdom is a way in which we learn. In the spirit of this, we sat down with some of our residents to ask them to share the advice they would give to their younger selves.
We hope that by sharing these inspirational thoughts, we will start a conversation about our experiences as women, whilst encouraging the girls and women of today to stive towards their dreams and gain wisdom from life and all the experience it has to offer.
Pam:
“You must look on the positive side of life and embrace change. Change happens consistently throughout our lives and invariably, we get very nervous about what will happen and what it will be like. Whether you’re moving jobs, moving house, or making a lifestyle change, everything is an exciting new venture and I think we need to face that change with a positive attitude”.
Maddie:
“The world will develop faster than you can ever imagine, so if you can’t do what you want now, just bide your time and work towards achieving your goal. Be selfish in this instead of trying to please others and doing what is expected of you. Follow your dreams and fly”.
Anonymous:
“Education is so important – not only to help you excel in society, but also for your soul. Now I am in my later life, I would have liked to have taken up more creative pursuits, perhaps music or the arts. Supporting education and respecting people’s choices are very important and we should all work towards these ends”.
Anonymous:
“Take your time. Don’t let anyone rush you into something. Be in charge of your own life. Women can do anything they set their mind to it. That’s the secret, be guided by people, but don’t rush into things”.
‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn the more places you’ll go’ – Dr Seuss
St John’s is passionate about supporting children as they learn and grow. It is vital to us that we provide an environment where children have the chance to live happy, healthy lives and in turn, contribute to our communities for generations to come.
In response to stark educational inequality across Bath and North East Somerset, we created the Foundation Fund. Our Fund targets children from pre-birth to the beginning of secondary school and has been designed to reduce the educational attainment gap across Bath and North East Somerset, helping children meet their age-related expectations.
The Foundation Fund provides support in a variety of areas, one of which being support with literacy. Few things are as powerful as the ability to read. With endless worlds at our fingertips, we can journey to faraway lands or times. We are able to experience joy alongside the characters whose tales we know and love, and those we have not yet met. The pages we read give us inspiration, hope, motivation and most importantly happiness, as well providing the foundations of our ability to learn and understand the world around us.
Encouraging reading from a young age provides children the means to excel alongside their peers. Below we explore a few areas in which reading promotes progression into a happy and healthy adulthood.
Supported Cognitive Development:
Reading to young children is proven to improve cognitive skills and encourage cognitive development. Cognitive development refers to the ability to understand and think for oneself. It focuses on how someone perceives the world through a range of areas such as intelligence, reasoning, information processing, language, and memory.
By introducing reading into a child’s life, you provide them the means to absorb information that will help them make sense of what they are experiencing in their day-to-day lives. This gives children a foundation to understand the world around them in a fuller context and exercise new skills in conversation with others, ultimately expanding their cognitive development.
Improved Language Skills:
Reading to infants and young children is key to building important language skills that will evolve into improved literacy and social skills. Reading at a young age stimulates areas of the brain dedicated to language acquisition and communication skills and in turn fosters confidence with communicating with peers later in life.
Self-expression is extremely important and without the tools to share what we are thinking, life can be very frustrating. With larger vocabularies and knowledge of how to use it in context, we can express ourselves in a clearer way to the people around us.
Increased Concentration and Improved Imagination and Creativity:
Young children have an innate capacity to use their imaginations in a wealth of creative ways. Reading can open the doors to all kinds of fun and fantastic worlds for children, as well providing the means to explore places, times, events and people beyond their own experience. Heightened creativity can be beneficial for a variety of subject areas in school as well as potentially fostering a love for creative endeavours in later life.
In addition to improved imagination is improved concentration. Numerous studies have found that as well as building comprehension skills, reading also promotes a longer attention span and better memory retention. By exercising these skills, we create a strong foundation for learning when in a school environment as well as in day-to-day life.
Preparation for Academic Success:
Research has shown a strong correlation between children who are exposed to reading from a young age and being successful when they reach formal education. Reading helps to jump start educational success by providing a strong basis from which we can learn about the world whilst giving tools to express our feelings and opinions of experiences. When children encounter and utilise literacy skills such as reading comprehension, phonics and vocabulary, they will begin to feel more confidence within their education and wider society, which in turn gives them the ability to excel as they mature.
At St John’s Foundation, we understand the importance of the benefits associated with literacy. We believe that all children should have their educational needs addressed and we are very proud to deliver a fund, sponsorship and support that provides children with an equal start in not only their education, but in life.
Despite ranking as having the fifth strongest economy in the world, societal inequality in the UK remains unacceptably high – especially when it comes to children.
In November 2022, the Government published its latest figures on the estimated number of children living in households that are dependent on state benefits.
It found that there are 11.3 million children living in England, Scotland, and Wales. Of these, 6 in 10 (59%) live in households that claim Child Benefit plus other benefits, such as Universal Credit.
In fact, according to Save the Children, around 3.8 million children live in households receiving Universal Credit – a monthly payment giving support with living costs to those on a low income or out of work.
Although the Government has agreed to uprate (increase the amount received) Child Benefit, for example, by £3.65 in the next financial year from £36.25 to £39.90 per child, families are struggling in the here and now.
Indeed, also in November, Inside Housing reported that the number of families in the UK living with children who are currently living in temporary accommodation has increased by 57% since 2010 to just under 121,000. Perhaps more worrying is that 1 in 5 (22%) of them are infants under the age of five years. We’re talking child poverty at levels not seen for over 25 years.
The Trussell Trust estimates that food bank usage increased by 40% in 2022, while the Joseph Rowntree Foundation states that one in five people are now living in poverty.
There are many reasons for the statistics that we are seeing – soaring rents, wages lagging behind inflation, higher rising energy prices and increasing fuel costs to name but a few. Of course, whilst the figures above are representative of Great Britain as a whole there will likely be regional disparities.
In Bath and North East Somerset alone, we have around 6,000 people under the age of 15 living in poverty, according to data provided by BaNES Council. This means 1 in 5 (20%) of children and young people in BaNES were technically living in ‘absolute’ poverty.
Location aside, regardless of whether families with children are living in BaNES or Merseyside, East Lanarkshire or Gwent, they need support because both the short and long-term implications this will have on young people within our respective communities are significant. The educational attainment gap (the gap between socially disadvantaged children and their peers) at Key Stage 2 among children in BaNES is, regrettably, one of the widest of all local authorities in England. The solution is not simply a case of giving children access to better education although is critical. Rather, having access to nutritious and affordable food is not only an imperative, but it has also been shown to better facilitate cognitive skills and brain development as a whole, especially during the first three years of a child’s life. Getting this ‘right’ has “long-term consequences with respect to education, job potential, and adult mental health.”
Tackling child poverty in BaNES takes a multifaceted approach. There is no single solution. St John’s Foundation is committed to improving the lives of infants, children and young people across our community through initiatives delivered through our Foundation Fund including our nutritious food and safe spaces programme.
These initiatives are making a difference and will continue to play a major role in leading the charge for change for those most vulnerable in BaNES. When the information we have requested is available, the data that we receive and share with you will enable us all to really understand the full extent of the challenge to hand.
The price of essential items is significantly rising, and furniture is no exception to the trend. Furniture poverty is on the rise and with the cost of living reaching an all-time high, many in our community are experiencing the effects first-hand.
Research states that 4.8 million people in the UK are living without essential items in their homes including cookers, fridges and even flooring. A study by End Furniture Poverty explains: ‘there are harmful physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences to Furniture Poverty, and it’s not just about material needs as furniture poverty is a consequence of the broader issue of poverty.’
Living in poverty can have a devastating impact on an individual’s sense of worth, wellbeing and mental health. The financial impact of furniture poverty is considerable – and set to get worse. For an average household living without essential items a significant cost is added to annual bills; living without a cooker and a fridge/freezer adds £1,365 adds £3,465 to a food bill; living without a washing machine adds £1,000 in washing expenses and living with faulty or inefficient white goods adds over £100 to energy bills.
According to Turn2Us, furniture prices have risen by 32 per cent in the last 10 years and the price of appliances by 17 per cent. Those most at risk of furniture poverty are working-age families, single mothers, those with a disability and universal credit claimants.
Being with no furniture is merely surviving, which is why our Crisis Programme can provide a lifeline for those in need. We provide financial support to families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, typically by purchasing them essential items such as beds, white goods and furniture. Our work often goes further than this and, for those that need it, we can also fund services such as counselling, debt support and basic employment skills and training. However, housing continues to be the Crisis Programme’s largest spend. Last year alone, over 400 applicants were supported, with nearly 70% of the funding going towards furniture (£52,690); white goods (£35,787); carpets (£67,873) and general household items, such as microwaves, vacuum cleaners and utensils (£12,497)
Only 2% of social houses are furnished when occupants take up their tenancy and furniture is the biggest cause of year-one debt. This is why we have worked in partnership with Curo to launch a new Furnished Tenancy Scheme.
The pilot will furnish 20 social houses prior to the tenant moving in, allowing them to make it more than just walls and a roof; instead a real ‘home’. It is a preventative measure which avoids the need for many to incur debt, to approach doorstep lenders or High Street ‘rent-town’ stores; we hope it will minimise the risk of building up rent arrears and other debts. We also hope it will give those in need quicker access to a better quality of life and a cosy start to their new chapter.
