100 Years 100 Good Ideas - from inspiration to action
Earlier this year we asked you for your brightest, boldest ideas to help people live happy, healthy and more independent lives as they age.
The response was phenomenal - over 250 ideas were submitted from residents, colleagues, universities, start-ups and supporters across the UK and beyond.
After the amazing response to our call out for the brightest, boldest ideas to help people live happy, healthy and more independent lives, the Innovation Team has worked alongside senior St Monica Trust members to pull together the top 10 ideas. This was no mean feat as there was such a diverse range of brilliant ideas, but we are now happy to share the selected ideas.
We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved and shared their ideas to help start this project in such a positive way.
Selected ideas
1. St Monica Trust Library of Things – submitted by Sheila
Borrow useful items instead of buying them—saving money and reducing clutter.
2. Dementia Day Services – submitted by Trish and Martha
A safe, social space for people living with dementia to enjoy their day and feel supported.
3. A Social Platform Connecting Residents – submitted by Mark, Wendy and Steve from Talk Club
Makes it easy for neighbours to connect, share interests, and feel part of a community.
4. Community Meals – submitted by Aaron and Alisha from Good Faith Partnership
Bringing together our wider community to ‘break bread’ in intergenerational, interfaith meals.
5. Lifelong Learning Scholarship – submitted by Christine
Keeping minds active and curiosity alive by helping residents learn something new.
6. Resident-Led Fundraising for a Nominated Charity at Each Site – submitted by Jean
Brings people together to do good and make a real difference beyond our walls.
7. Nature-Based Therapies – submitted by Julie
Fresh air and green spaces can work wonders for mood, stress, and overall well-being.
8. Healing with Humour – submitted by Barry
A good laugh really is the best medicine—lifting spirits and easing stress.
9. Green Loops and Sensory Pathways – submitted by Kirsty and the gardening team
Create beautiful, calming outdoor routes that invite movement and mindfulness.
10. Spare Chair Scheme – submitted by Joe
Promoting links between residents and the wider community, reducing isolation and sharing food with the local community.
What are the next steps?
In 2026 we will be focusing on who, when and how we are going to help bring these ideas to life. We’ll introduce the people behind the ideas, sharing their motivation and story behind their submission. Working with support from the Centre of Innovation, each idea will be developed following our innovation cycle. Our residents, colleagues and external partners will use research, prototyping, co-design and creativity to drive their ideas, demonstrating St Monica Trust’s commitment to healthy, independent futures.
