HOW ST JOHN’S ACTIVITIES HELP BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY
As we get older, it may become harder to stay socially connected. Life changes can lead to smaller social circles, leaving some people feeling lonely or isolated. That is why opportunities to meet people and feel part of a community become so important, and at St John’s Foundation, our weekly activities are designed to support older adults in doing exactly that.
Throughout the week, we provide a packed activities programme including art, sewing, dance, yoga, cooking and community groups that support wellbeing and social connection. While the activities themselves vary, many attendees describe the same outcome: feeling happier and becoming more confident through being part of something welcoming and supportive.
One of our popular sessions is Stephen Magrath’s Mindful Art class, where attendees spend time creating beautiful artwork in a calm and encouraging environment.
Henrietta has been attending the classes for the past four years after discovering them through Bath Mind. When asked how attending the class makes her feel, she shared:
“Two hours of total focus and getting completely absorbed in what you are doing makes me feel happy and content.”
For Viv, the classes helped her rediscover creativity she thought she had lost. Speaking about her experience, she shared:
“I learnt I could draw, something I believed to be well gone.”
She also reflected on the impact creativity has on her wellbeing:
“I always find concentrating and creating something very, very helpful to my wellbeing… the world is a good place again.”
The same sense of encouragement can be found in our very own Good Living Advisor, Allison’s sewing classes, where attendees learn new skills while enjoying the social side of the group. Alongside her role at St John’s Foundation, Allison works professionally on productions including The Witcher and created costumes for Madame Tussauds. She brings her expertise to every session. One attendee who had previously lost confidence in sewing described Allison as “very patient and encouraging”. Others described the class as “the highlight of my week”, saying they enjoyed meeting people and seeing the creative projects others were working on.
For some attendees, the social aspect of the sessions is just as important as the activity itself. One attendee shared that they sometimes do not speak to anyone else during the week and rely on the “lovely community atmosphere and friendship of the class”.
Attendees also spoke warmly about our Seated Dance sessions, ran by local practitioner, Sam Grief. The classes combine movement and music in an accessible and enjoyable way, allowing those with mobility challenges to remain active and socialise in a group. One attendee described the class:
“Fun exercise and a lovely group of people. Sam is a wonderful instructor.”
Across all of the activities, attendees spoke about the positive impact the sessions have on both their mental and physical wellbeing. Many described feeling more confident and more motivated through becoming part of a welcoming community. Alongside learning new skills, attendees repeatedly highlighted the importance of routine and having something enjoyable to look forward to each week.
Importantly, these sessions are not about being an expert. They are about creating opportunities for people over 55 to enjoy being part of a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether through movement or creative activities, the sessions encourage both social connection and wellbeing in a relaxed and accessible way.
At St John’s Foundation, we believe community activities can play a vital role in supporting healthy ageing. Staying socially connected and mentally engaged can make a significant difference to confidence, mood and overall quality of life later in life.
For many attendees, these activities have become far more than weekly classes, they are an important source of friendship and community. You can find out more about our classes here.