St John's May Bulletin

A note from our Chief Exec, David Hobdey:

Summer is nearly upon us and here at?St John’s, we are entering the new season with lots of news to share with you all.

Along with the rest of the world, we celebrated the coronation of our new monarch, King Charles. Due to HM Queen Camilla's links to St John's - having been our patron for several years as HRH Duchess of Cornwall - we were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to offer a pair of tickets a lucky staff member from St John's. We’re happy to report that our office administrator, Carole, had a?truly fantastic time, despite the weather!

Over the past months I have, amongst other things, been bringing together and chairing a dynamic new group of people: the ‘Opportunity For All’ group. The team comprises a partnership between St John’s, BaNES Council, local charities and not-for profit organisations, businesses and other anchor institutions (including our two universities and Bath College) who want to work together to tackle major inequalities in our region, especially relating to poverty, education and health.?

The work complements and supports St John’s own ambitions in respect of our Foundation Fund, Crisis Programme and Good Living Service. The aim of the group is to help create a more fair and equal society across Bath and North East Somerset, one of the four themes comprising the Council inspired ‘one shared vision for 2030’: Bath?with?North East Somerset, ambitious together to create a fair, green, creative and connected city region.

The early work of the Opportunity for All group is likely to focus on supporting people (especially those less well served by our communities) to find, apply for and secure work and gain access to better career development pathways.??

We wish you well as we begin to enjoy summer, and as always, please do remember, St John's is here to help.

St John's Foundation: The Lives We Change?

At St John’s, our purpose is to Change Lives. For Good. We wanted to share the impact of?our charitable delivery?through the creation of a film centred around those we work most closely with.?

Featuring Islay, an?almshouse resident?who has lived with us for over five years, Clare, the proud?Head Teacher of St Michael’s Junior Church School?and Sam, our Good Living Team Leader, this short video shines a light on the work we do here at the St John’s Foundation.??

Why Bath shouldn't be overlooked for government support?

It is estimated that over 4,000 people across BaNES will fall into absolute poverty this year including?1,500 children.

There is a perception that our community is made up of wealthy, deprivation-free families and individuals. Yet, hidden beneath the glossy exterior of Bath and North East Somerset are pockets of deprivation and communities who need support. Read our blog.

Why attitudes towards older people need to change

For the first time in history, adults aged 60 and over are now the fastest growing group in our population.

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.

Find out how St John’s are working to change the stigma around older adults and ensure the?ageing process is a positive experience. Read our blog.

The impact of marginalisation in older adults?

In an ageing society, many older adults face discrimination, neglect and exclusion due to their age.?It is essential to provide resources and support in order to help maintain health and well-being

Find out how St John's aims to overcome marginalisation and help older adults achieve a high quality of life. Read our blog.

Child Poverty: the challenges we face?

In November 2022, the Government published its?latest figures?on the estimated number of children living in households that are dependent on state benefits.

?Tackling child poverty in BaNES takes a multifaceted approach, there is no single solution. St John’s is committed to improving the lives of infants, children and young people through our?Foundation Fund. Read our blog.

Update from our Trading Company:?

The?House of St John’s?offer a range of?private offices,?dedicated desks?and?co-working lounges?that can be tailored to your business preference.

In addition to an elegant workspace and access to an exclusive members club, The House offers a variety of?events?and workshops dedicated to growing your network, whilst supporting you with your business and its growth.

Find out more about how becoming a member?of the House of St John’s can help you obtain new connections and support your business growth and enhance your career.