What is a Dementia Friends training session?
Delivered by Dementia Friends, these engaging information sessions aim to make people more aware of the nature of dementia and the challenges faced by those living with the condition and their carers.
This is an accessible course that is suitable for anyone hoping to develop a greater understanding to help others.
Friends Information Sessions are run by Dementia Friends Champions to help you understand what it’s like to live with dementia and the actions you can take.
The information session will lasts for just over an hour and afterwards all attendees will be able to declare themselves a ‘Dementia Friend’.
The Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.
Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.
When can I attend a Dementia Friends session?
The following Dementia Friends sessions will be taking place at St John’s Foundation and can be booked through the Wellbeing College by clicking below:
Full address for sessions – St John’s Foundation, 4/5 Chapel Court, Bath, BA1 1SQ
For more info or to discuss, contact Ricky Bush at St John’s Foundation on 01225 486453
St John’s Foundation has unveiled a ten-year strategy which will see it spending £30 million to support vulnerable children under the age of 12.
Last week, St John’s gathered over 300 guests at the Guildhall in Bath to unveil details of our new strategy.
Pledging to commit £30 million to support vulnerable children, the strategy heralds a radical shift in St John’s Organisation Funding Support Programme.
Before getting to the nub of St John’s bold future plans, Chair of Trustees, Ben Fletcher, first reflected on the history of St John’s and how the thinking behind the new strategy came about.
He said:
We were founded 845 years ago in order to change lives for good. The almshouses, created at the charity’s inception and aimed at older adults, remain central to what we do as does our commitment to our Community Outreach activities for the over 55s.
However, we also acknowledge that our charity’s founding was a moment of determined, big-thinking intervention and we have taken our inspiration for the next phase of St John’s from that.
We have come to realise that we need to be thinking about how St John’s could best serve B&NES in a modern-day context.
Despite outward appearances, the B&NES region is one of the most unequal places in the country.
From one end to another the differences in literacy levels, life expectancy, unemployment and life chances are stark.
Referencing this marked inequality, Ben continued:
And so, as our current five-year plan drew to a close, we, the trustees challenged St John’s to plot a new course and think how we could best make the biggest difference to our community.
Taking up the challenge, Chief Executive David Hobdey explained to the audience how St John’s had worked with local and national partners to best understand where we needed to focus and to ensure that any plan produced was backed up with robust research, together with the charity’s own knowledge and experiences.
He said:
We know that there are over 8000 children in B&NES officially classed as living in poverty but we believe the real number to be so much higher when you include the children of the working poor.
And children from disadvantaged backgrounds are far less likely to meet age-related expectations, creating an ‘attainment gap’, where children who live in poverty will typically not do as well at school as their more affluent counterparts.
This gap only widens as the child gets older. This type of inequality is shocking, with B&NES having one of the widest attainment gaps in the UK.
Acknowledging that the reasons behind such issues are often complex, David went on to talk about our response to the problem:
Through the implementation of the Foundation Fund, our commitment is to invest over £30million over the next decade to ensure every child from birth to twelve years old is supported to grow into a healthy, happy and educated member of our community. This is our vision.
David reassured the audience that St John’s would be continuing to offer crucial support to people in crisis through our Individual Funding Programme and that this would not change.
Recognising the extraordinary work of many of the organisations represented in the room, Director Louise Harvey spoke of how the Foundation Fund would build a co-ordinated infrastructure across B&NES to support children from birth to 12 years old.
She said:
We recognise we have responsibility to use our resources in a way that can bring about transformational change over the next decade.
We will take a preventative approach while children are young enough to make a lasting difference. We intend to make a generational change.
We are seeing families struggling to put food on the table and provide a nurturing environment for their children.
On a daily basis we witness families whose standard of living falls far short of what we in this rooms would accept for ourselves or our children. This is unacceptable.
We will ensure every child has access to nutritious food, professional emotional and behavioural support, extra support with reading, writing, oracy and maths and a safe space outside of school hours.
We will build on and enhance the current work already being delivered in these areas and support the dedicated professionals in their field.
Rounding off the presentation, Louise left the audience with a quote from Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.
And for the next decade, that’s exactly what the Foundation Fund will be doing.
Nominations are now open for the ‘Young Stars Awards’, a celebration of extraordinary young people from across Bath & North East Somerset, which will be held at The Apex Hotel on Saturday 2nd May.
The inaugural event took place in March last year and was such a success that organisers, Tim and Toni Warren, knew it could not be a one-off event. This year’s sparkling red-carpet Awards will be hosted by St John’s, who is inviting friends, family members, teachers, charities and community groups to nominate children who have displayed selfless and courageous acts, so they may be recognised and treated like a star for a night.
Louise Harvey, Director at St John’s Foundation, said
We applaud Tim and Toni’s dedication to the Awards and the effort they put in to the event happen. St John’s is delighted to be hosting this now annual celebration and we look forward to giving our young finalists an evening they will never forget.
Nominations can be submitted online at stjohnsbath.org.uk/young-stars-awards/ until Friday 28th February, at which point the panel of judges will have the unenviable task of selecting three finalists from each of the six categories: Courage, Creativity, Kindness, Education, Sport and Unsung Hero.
All finalists will receive three complimentary tickets to the Awards Gala Dinner and gift vouchers to go towards the purchase of their red-carpet outfits.
Awards founder, Toni Warren, shared her experience of judging last year’s nominees:
When we created the Young Stars Awards we wanted to discover and recognise the incredible children and young people in Bath & North East Somerset who have achieved great things in the face of adversity or personal challenges, and last year we read over 70 heart-rending and humbling stories of the selfless and courageous acts by these very special young people.
It wasn’t easy to select finalists as they were all so deserving, but the experience demonstrated this was just the beginning of the Young Stars story.
The sparkling red-carpet event is open to Bath & North East Somerset residents, and tickets include a three-course meal, live entertainment and, most importantly, the opportunity to show support to Bath’s young stars and let them know just how brightly they shine.
To nominate your young star and/or to book your tickets to the Awards on Saturday 2nd May, please visit stjohnsbath.org.uk/young-stars-awards/ or contact us on 01225 486400. Nominations close on Friday 28th February and finalists will be announced in March. Please follow #YoungStars2020 on social media for the latest news.
Behind the beautiful Georgian facade of Bath and the stunning surrounds of Bath and North East Somerset, homelessness – or the threat of it – is a problem facing a growing number of people.
There are over 4,000 on social housing waiting lists in the region and house prices are 14 times average earnings.
The issues go far deeper than the number of street homeless. There are countless individuals sofa-surfing, families housed in B&Bs and others in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
But, there is help available. This film, commissioned by St John’s and created by Meaningful Films, shows the realities of homelessness and the incredible work that is being done by local organisations to help. We witness first-hand the difference that support staff and volunteers make to those struggling to keep a roof over their head.
Meet the filmmakers and the organisations involved at the pre-screening networking event and get involved in the Q&A afterwards.
We would be delighted if you would join us for the premiere of the film at Komedia on Wednesday 13th November.
Doors open at 5:30pm for pre-screening networking.
Film starts at 6:30pm.
Q&A at 7pm.
You can watch the trailer for the film here.
A limited number of tickets are now available. To book, please email communications@stjohnsbath.org.uk.
At the end of September, we hosted our Annual Reception in the beautiful Ballroom at Bath Assembly Rooms. Our new CEO, David Hobdey and Chair of Trustees, Ben Fletcher, welcomed over 300 guests, and shared St John’s new strategic direction, which is set to tackle some of the community’s more pressing social issues.
We were treated to a heartfelt talk from local hairdresser, Eddie, of Eddie’s Street Cuts, who after experiencing some difficult years himself, managed to turn himself around and now, with a desire to ‘give something back’, provides free haircuts to Bath’s homeless community.
Our guests were also given a sneak preview of a new film we’ve commissioned called ‘A Roof Over My Head’. Created by local company, Meaningful Films, it shows the realities of homelessness and the incredible work that is being done by local organisations to help this issue.
The premiere will be held at Komedia on Wednesday 13 November and we would love you to join us. To book your free place please visit Komedia’s website here.
Set to help guide the charity’s work is our new Chairman of Trustees, Ben Fletcher.
Currently European Region Managing Director for Clarks, Ben and his young family have recently re-located to Bath.
With responsibility in his ‘day job’ for leading business across 27 markets, Ben brings vast commercial knowledge to St John’s. Additionally, as a trustee of the National Literacy Trust, which works with some the UK’s most disadvantaged communities, he is extremely well-placed for his new role at St John’s.
I am thrilled to be welcomed into the St John’s family. There are already some hugely exciting projects in the pipeline, and I am looking forward to helping the charity carve out the next five years of its strategic journey.
Having joined St John’s as Finance Director in 2016, David Hobdey stepped up to the role of interim CEO in the latter part of 2018. David’s measured, fair and thoughtful approach has made him popular with staff and trustees alike and consensus on his permanent appointment as CEO was unanimous.
David’s previous business career was finance-based, spanning professional practice, industry and commerce and the NHS.
Referencing the impact of budget cuts and deepening austerity on many parts of wider society, David said:
It is important that St John’s doesn’t rest on its ancient laurels – we need to be progressive and our activities must better reflect the times we live in by supporting a broader cross section of the community. I feel passionate about St John’s, its staff and all that it represents, and it is a great honour to have been appointed CEO.
We are a very lucky family to have found St John’s, as the care mum receives is literally saving her and helping to re-build what was a struggling family.
Our Accommodation
St John’s offers quality almshouse apartments based in the centre of Bath and Combe Park, adjacent to the RUH.
We currently have 96 almshouse apartments, creating a community, which supports and empowers people to be independent.
Independent Living Service
Our Independent Living Service is a person-centred service providing quality care and support which steps in when individuals need support to remain as independent as possible.
Being independent gives people a feeling of purpose and self-worth. Without independence, life can become meaningless. How many times have you heard someone say, ‘I don’t want to be a burden’?
The service is regulated under the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and is rated ‘good’.
Read our recent CQC Inspection report
What does it cost to live in an almshouse apartment?
Charges will vary depending on accommodation offered.
There is a weekly maintenance charge, which includes a rental charge, heating and water rates. The charge also covers general repairs, cleaning of communal areas, gardening and landscaping. Some people may be entitled to housing benefit.
Who provides the care?
The service is managed by our Head of Care and Community Services, who is registered with the Care Quality Commission. All our Independent Living Assistants receive a thorough induction process to equip them with the skills needed to provide effective care and support for our residents.
Our staff are passionate about the support they provide to people living in our apartments.
A quote from the recent CQC report, said,
People were supported and treated with dignity and respect; and involved as partners in their Care.
What does it mean to live independently at St John’s?
First of all, we are not a Care Home, although we are regulated under CQC to provide personal care should people need it.
Our Living Independently Service means people get to live in their own homes, safe in the knowledge there is, if needed, support from neighbours, community and staff.
Additionally, support staff provide 24-hour cover, seven days a week.
Is there is social scene at St John’s?
Absolutely. Residents can be involved as much or as little as they wish.
Examples of the sorts of things on offer include; Curry & Quiz Nights, Themed Evenings, Musical Events, Book Clubs, Afternoon Teas – all of which are organised by the residents’ social committee. There is also activities facilitated by our community outreach team, which our residents can access, such as Silver Swans Ballet, Ukelele Club, Stitch groups and intergenerational groups.
Peggy’s Story
Peggy, a resident at St John’s Foundation, was admitted to hospital in November 2018 following a bad fall, resulting in a broken hip. This meant that Peggy was in hospital over the Christmas period. Staff were delighted that she was able to return to her home at St John’s in the New Year. The hospital was happy to release her knowing the care and support that would be provided for her by the Independent Living Service (ILS) at St John’s.
In May 2019, Peggy received an invitation to the wedding of good friend, and she was desperate to attend. Her fall the previous year had affected her confidence and she didn’t go out as much as she used to; although she really wanted to go to the wedding, she felt this was going to be a big challenge on her own. Step forward our ILS team leader, Paul, who was happy to accompany her.
Having Paul at her side, comforted Peggy and she had a wonderful afternoon attending the wedding service at Bath’s Guildhall, together with the reception in The Pump Rooms. Not least, the couple getting married were delighted that Peggy was able to attend.
CQC carried out an inspection of St John’s Independent Living Service in May 2019, concluding that the care we provide is ‘Good’ overall.
It was reported that,
Staff were kind and caring and care plans were person-centred and contained important information relating to people’s likes and dislikes. People were supported by staff who promoted their independence and provided care in a dignified and respectful manner.
You can read the full CQC Inspection Report here.
The last CQC inspection took place in October 2016, for which we also received a rating of ‘Good’. We are delighted to have maintained this rating and will continue to ensure the highest quality of care for our residents at St John’s.
The 2019 Vitality Goalden Globe Awards took place on Saturday 13th July as England Netball recognised and celebrated the fantastic contributions of their incredible volunteers.
Set in the picturesque St. George’s Hall, the event had a Vitality Netball World Cup flavour with each table named after a legend of the game.
Vitality Roses Kadeen and Sasha Corbin were also in attendance to hand out awards to the deserving recipients.
The Sheelagh Redpath Grassroots Official Award was won by our very own Hazel Nicholls, picking up the trophy following her great work with a number of club players at Paulton Rovers Netball Club mentoring them in preparation for their B and C Award and encouraging players to pick up a whistle and to give umpiring a go for the first time.
Congratulations Hazel!
On 4th June, a team from St John’s competed in the Mogers Drewett charity netball tournament- an annual mixed team competition for organisations across Bath to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice.
To give some perspective on our chances of winning, last year we managed to come last…
Clearly our pumped-up team were out to make amends and supporters were gripped as it went to extra time in both the semi -final and the final, with the ‘St John’s Dream Team’ going on to win by two clear goals!
Huge congratulations and thank you to our wonderful team – with special thanks to our netball-guru, Hazel Nicholls, for being such an inspirational coach and organiser.
