News and Blog

Trust’s “community of innovators” to improve lives of older people

The St Monica Trust has held the south west’s first-ever Healthy Ageing and Care Innovation Forum.

Centenary beer to spread ‘Hoppiness’ at St Monica Trust

Residents at a Bristol-based charity are brewing their own beer to celebrate one hundred years of caring.

Trust awards grants supporting older workers and volunteers

The St Monica Trust has awarded grants to four organisations as part of its new Volunteering and Employment for Older People Fund. The £108,000 fund was created by the Trust’s Charitable Giving arm for projects that support older people to live their best lives.

Enabling independence: a collaboration between OpeninterX, Bristol University and St Monica Trust

At St Monica Trust, we are always looking for ways to help support independence and recently we welcomed OpenInterX and Bristol University to Cote Lane for a workshop exploring their exciting product, LUCI, a new wearable personal assistant that could help people with an array of needs such as dementia, visual impairment, or perhaps those who may just benefit from a personal assistant giving them important reminders through their day.

Exploring the Future of Ageing: insights from the Bristol Futures Jam

In collaboration with partners at BJSS, Sparck, Business West, and CVS South Gloucestershire, we hosted a ‘futures jam’ at the Watershed in Bristol. This unique event brought together a cross sector of society from those with lived experience to those thinking about their own upcoming journey as they age, with the aim of setting a new vision for what later life might look like in 2040.

Innovation in Action: Co-Designing the Rapid Response System

In collaboration with the team at the Trust's Garden House Care Home, the Innovation Team recently concluded a successful trial of a co-designed Rapid Response System.

Margaret 'joins' Navy at age 100 and fulfills lifelong dream

A care home resident was recently presented with a Naval Cap to mark her 100th birthday and fulfill her lifelong dream.

Retirement village porter becomes double quadrathlon world champion at 63

A porter at a St Monica Trust retirement village in Bristol has become the Quadrathlon World Champion over two distances for his age group.

Alliance of 50 organisations launches charitable programme to end loneliness

An alliance of leading organisations has launched an ambitious charitable programme to “make loneliness a stranger.”

Care home crocheters create poppy waterfall for Remembrance Day

A poppy waterfall made up of thousands of hand-made poppies has been unveiled at a St Monica House Care Home.

Trust celebrates Millstream topping out

A topping out ceremony to mark reaching the highest point of the St Monica Trust’s latest development has taken place.

A beacon of light – Integrated communities and the future of housing

The future of housing faces complex challenges that require those in government and in the housing sector to think more creatively about effective housing solutions.

Marina calls time on fundraising after raising £41k for charities

The fundraising activities of a very special St Monica Trust resident were recognised recently after raising more than £41,000 for good causes.

Trust commits £10k funding to “life changing” Joint Heating Project

The St Monica Trust has contributed a further £10,000 in funding to a Joint Heating Project to help older people keep their homes heated this winter.

Trust’s residents enjoy view from ‘box seats’ at Ashton Gate

St Monica Trust residents recently got to enjoy the view from the director’s box at Ashton Gate, courtesy of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation.

Trust's newest development to be named Millstream

The Trust’s newest development at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham has been officially named Millstream.

Surprise gold award tops amazing year for Emily

A St Monica Trust colleague received a surprise award during a visit by the UK’s top nurse.

St Monica Trust announces launch of Charitable Foundation

The “biggest shake-up” of the St Monica Trust’s charitable giving in its 100-year history has been announced.

Trust colleagues raise ‘monument-al’ amount on Stonehenge charity walk

A team of colleagues from the St Monica Trust have raised more than £11,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Keep calm and ‘toddle along’ – Bristol Blitz survivor celebrates 100th birthday

A survivor of the Bristol Blitz recently celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and staff at a St Monica Trust Retirement Village.

St Monica Trust nurse ‘lights the way’ for adult social care nursing

A St Monica Trust nurse had the honour of being the Lamp Carrier at the Florence Nightingale Commemorative Service.

Nurses in the spotlight

To celebrate nurses, we are shining the spotlight on two very special women who are nurses from different generations - Jill Cownie, a resident at the Westbury Fields Retirement Village, and Emily Pimm, the Social Care Deputy Manager at John Wills House care home.

Cote Lane chapel organ restoration project begins

A once-in-a-lifetime restoration project is underway to preserve the chapel organ at Cote Lane for future generations.

It’s a Rovers return for goalkeeping legend and Russets’ resident Bernie

A Bristol Rovers legend has been honoured by his former club. Bernie Hall is a resident at the St Monica Trust’s Russets and Sherwood Care Home and it was a member of the care team who contacted the club on Bernie’s behalf.

Trust’s care services recognised with prestigious team award

St Monica Trust’s care home and domiciliary care colleagues have been recognised with the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Team Award.

Leading charities meet to discuss creation of new charitable programme

Some of the region’s leading charities and not-for-profit organisations gathered at Engineers’ House on Tuesday to co-design a charitable programme that will deliver greater impact for older people across the south west.

Trust’s £14k enhancement funding helps makes homes habitable for over 50s in crisis

It’s not always life’s biggest problems that overwhelm us and leave us feeling unable to cope. Sometimes it’s the steady accumulation of many small problems that pile one on top of the other until we cannot see our way out...

Trust secures Planet Mark Certification

The St Monica Trust has recently achieved the first important milestone on its journey to reach Net Zero by securing Planet Mark Business Certification.

Block D to complete Trust’s redevelopment of former Somerdale Factory

A ground breaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on the St Monica Trust’s latest development.

John’s trip to Chocolate Quarter brings back ‘sweet’ memories

A recent trip to The Chocolate Quarter was particularly special for one St Monica Trust care home resident.

Chris and Rosa find love and laughter at The Chocolate Quarter

Two residents have married after meeting and falling in love at a retirement village in Keynsham.

All's 'Good' at Garden House after CQC Inspection

The St Monica Trust’s Garden House Care Home has been rated as ‘Good’ by the CQC.

Trust funds Food Leaders programme to help tackle food insecurity

An innovative project involving some of Bristol’s top chefs is providing Food Leaders with the skills to help reduce food insecurity among older people.

Care and Support Service’s leadership rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC

The leadership of the St Monica Trust's Cote Lane Care and Support Service has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC following an announced inspection on 05 May 2023.

Jim’s ‘on song’ for 105th birthday celebrations

Asked for the secret of his long life, retirement village resident, Jim Mearns joked that: “It’s wine, women and song, that keeps me going.”

Margaret, Ann or mum?

When Stephen last saw the lady standing in front him, she was “Margaret”. Now she’s “Ann”. What he’d like to know most is, can he call her “mum?”.

5% pay rise for all St Monica Trust colleagues

The St Monica trust has announced that all colleagues will be awarded a minimum 5% increase to their basic pay on 1 April 2023.

Carnival comes to St Monica Trust

A unique outreach project has brought Carnival to residents at the St Monica Trust.

"People person" Jo celebrates 104th birthday

A resident at the St Monica Trust's John Wills House care home recently celebrated her 104th birthday with family and friends.

St Monica Trust awards £188,000 to support digital inclusion projects

The Digital Inclusion Fund will support seven orgnaisations in the Bristol area to run important projects promoting the digital inclusion of older people.

Trust's chefs support Caring at Christmas campaign

St Monica Trust’s chefs headed to the Trinity Centre to cook dinner for the final day of Caring in Bristol’s Big Christmas Dinner campaign.

Christmas Presence Campaign kicks-off at The Chocolate Quarter

The festive season got underway at The Chocolate Quarter as the Bristol Bears Community Foundation kicked-off their annual Christmas Presence campaign.

Stuart thanks “guardian angels” as Trust’s short-term grant eases financial pain

On the day of the accident, Stuart Lewis swears he had a guardian angel watching over him - in fact he had three.

Retirement village resident to star in children’s TV show

When a retirement village resident volunteered for a pen pal scheme, she had no idea that she’d end up starring in an episode of a hit children’s television show.

Trust to ease cost-of-living crisis for colleagues following care home restructure

The St Monica Trust has announced that from 1 October 2022, it will increase the minimum rate of pay in the organisation to £9.90 per hour. In addition, the Bristol-based charity will also award all colleagues £250 to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

Older persons’ funding programme helps ‘Shedders’ rebuild after fire

A unique funding programme for older people is helping a community group rebuild after a devastating fire.

HM Queen Elizabeth II

A statement from the St Monica Trust

“Anything for our Beryl” as Sandford Station resident celebrates 100th birthday

When it came to celebrating her 100th birthday, Beryl Morton knew exactly what she wanted – and colleagues at the St Monica Trust’s Sandford Station retirement village were only too happy to help.

Home Care Service rated ‘Good’ following CQC inspection

The Chocolate Quarter’s Home Care Service has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ following an unannounced inspection on 25 May 2022.

College? ‘Pizza’ cake for Kelesie after B Block work experience

A work experience programme at B Block pizzeria in Keynsham is helping young adults with special educational needs prepare for life after leaving school.

Trust’s “Lady with the Lamp” awarded FNF scholarship

A St Monica Trust colleague is walking in the footsteps of Britain’s most famous nurse.

From Bosom Buddies to Bristol’s Batonbearer

A St Monica Trust resident, whose breast cancer charity has supported hundreds of families, was selected to carry the Queen's Baton as part of the official relay for the Commonwealth Games.

A statement from the St Monica Trust regarding strike action

Our care home services will be running as normal today, as they have been throughout the previous days of strike action.

Volunteer’s smart socks to benefit people living with dementia

A St Monica Trust volunteer’s invention could benefit millions of people who are living with dementia.

Full pay protection announced for care home colleagues

The St Monica Trust is offering its care home colleagues full pay protection for the next twelve months.

A statement from the St Monica Trust regarding trade union activity

The Trust is a local charity and the world we are now operating in is very different to the one of two years ago. The pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the UK’s health and social care sector, as does the nationwide social care recruitment crisis.

Trust’s nurse becomes UK’s first Social Care Nurse Ambassador

A Registered Nurse at the St Monica Trust has been appointed the UK’s first Social Care Nurse Ambassador.

Retirement village offers pupils a sporting chance

Unique partnership sees retirement village open its grounds to pupils from a local secondary school for PE lessons.

All aboard the Charterhouse 'Orange Express'

Model tram build brings back memories of journeys on ‘Orange Express’ for care home resident.

A bellyful of pizzas and laughs as comedy returns to B Block

Comedy makes a welcome return to B Block with guests getting their fill of pizza and laughs.

St Monica Trust’s Charitable Impact Team provides £40,000 support to local information and advice services

Christmas Market puts the “Ho-ho-ho” back in John Wills Ho-use

Westbury Fields was transformed into a winter wonderland last Saturday for John Wills House’s first-ever Outdoor Christmas Market.

Residential care at Charterhouse: your 'home' from home

St Monica Trust’s Charterhouse care home in Keynsham is now providing specialist residential care for older people living in Bristol and Bath.

Everybody needs good neighbours

Neighbours for twenty years and now neighbours in the same care home!

The Chocolate Quarter’s Block D development gets green light

St Monica Trust obtains planning consent for building of Block D at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham.

Fishing with Fran

What can you do if you see a colleague struggling at work? Our Media Officer, Ben Jailler took one of the Trust's Care Home Managers for some fly fishing therapy and wrote a magazine article about their experience.

What age can I move into a retirement village?

How old do you have to be to move into a retirement village? Our main answer - whenever you're ready. Moving into a retirement village comes with many benefits, and the sooner you make the move, the sooner you can begin to enjoy your new lifestyle. We are here to support you every step of the way.

St Monica Trust invites applications for £225,000 Mental Health and Older People Fund

Organisations looking to improve the mental health and well-being of older people in Bristol are invited to apply for a new fund launched by the St Monica Trust.

The Special Olympics athlete making a 'splash' at Garden House

Special Olympics athlete proves to be as successful in his role at a Bristol care home, as he is in the swimming pool.

Cycle past event pays tribute to Johnny Johnson’s centenary

Charity event pays tribute to the Dambusters raid and celebrates the birthday of Johnny Johnson.

Research project highlights how retirement villages’ response to pandemic “safeguarded lives”

Ground-breaking research project into response to COVID-19 pandemic revealed how Retirement Village and Extra Care Housing operators helped protect the lives of residents and staff.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Friendships

The St Monica Trust is backing National Intergenerational Week in its second year. This national awareness campaign intends to highlight the benefits of multi-generational friendships and encourage intergenerational activity.

A Second Chance: Nigel’s Story

Nigel was transferred to the Garden House care home in Westbury-on-Trym in March last year for palliative care. Now, he has left the care home with a second lease of life thanks to his determination and the support of the nurses and carers that cared for him during his stay.

Rapid antigen testing pilot restores 'human touch' for Christmas visits

A rapid antigen test trialed at a St Monica Trust care home helped relatives reconnect with their loved-ones over Christmas.

National survey launched to learn pandemic's impact on retirement housing sector

Ground-breaking research project launched to study impact of Covid-19 on retirement villages and extra care housing schemes across England.

Understanding care: a handy guide to care types

Residential care, respite care, nursing care – what’s the difference? With so many variations when it comes to the types of care on offer in care homes, it’s helpful to understand what each of these terms mean if you’re beginning your search.

Community development funding to tackle pandemic’s hidden impact on older people’s lives

Trust’s community development funding aims to help older people safely re-engage with their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

What is a retirement village?

The term retirement village can be quite confusing - what exactly does it mean? Here we explain what to expect from retirement villages and give you some helpful information to begin your search.

When Zoom doesn't fit: an alternative to video calling

Video calling doesn't suit everyone. We spoke to retirement village art tutor Onny about repurposing business teleconferencing favourite Meetupcall for group art classes with residents.

The Rainbow Letter Project: Intergenerational Penpals

When Chloe returned from university to live with family in Bristol during lockdown she decided she would do something to help those living alone. Cue: The Rainbow Letter Project, a new initiative helping primary school students stay in touch with residents in one of our retirement communities.

Celebrating Volunteers' Week - with Jane Langley

Usually carrying out up to 100 visits to older people in our communities every week, our team of volunteers is a huge force for good at the St Monica Trust. Over the last few weeks, they have continued to go above and beyond while replacing visits with phone calls, letter writing and more. Volunteer Coordinator Jane Langely shares more about the role carried out by these very important people.

Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds repeats on Channel 4

Filmed here at the St Monica Trust, the award-winning first series of Old People’s Home for 4 Years repeats on Channel 4 on Saturday 16th May at 7.15pm and Saturday 23rd May 2020 at 7pm.

Social connection at St Monica Trust during COVID-19

We recently shared with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Integration about all the hard work our team is putting into tackling social isolation among our residents and customers during COVID-19. Here's what we had to say.

Community Impact invites applications for £160,000 Living Well Fund

The St Monica Trust’s Community Impact launches a new fund for services that support older people to stay independent and be proactive about their health and well-being.

All ‘Good’ at Westbury Fields following CQC inspection

Westbury Fields care and support service has been rated ‘Good’ by the CQC following an announced inspection.

Trust backs national campaign to highlight benefits of intergenerational activity

The St Monica Trust is backing a national awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of intergenerational activities taking part across the UK.

Sandford Station’s artist in residence celebrates 100th birthday

Artist, Mollie Coviello celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at St Monica Trust’s, Sandford Station retirement village.

Things to do in Westbury-on-Trym: A handy community guide

Westbury-on-Trym has long been one of Bristol's most desirable areas. But what makes it so special? Here we share some of our top tips for places to go and things to do locally.

Over £2,000 Raised for Bristol’s homeless at B Block comedy event

Comedy fans pile into B Block for an evening of pizza and comedy that raised over £2,000 for The Julian Trust.

‘Family’ approach gets Outstanding rating for John Wills House care home

St Monica Trust care home rated ‘Outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors.

Our Robin competes to become Britain’s Best Home Cook

St Monica Trust's maintenance supervisor wins praise of Mary Berry with his perfect pear upside down cake.

Community, Craft & Christmas - with Westbury Fields craft group

Lifelong crafters Joan and Rose share how their retirement village craft group brings them together in community and their top tips for beginners this Christmas.

£100,000 Community Impact funding supports local organisations to carry on

St Monica Trust’s Community Impact team awards £100,000 in funding to local organisations to ‘carry on’ the great work they are doing.

Helpful tips when caring for older relatives at home

To mark Clinical Audit Awareness Week we've gathered top tips from our care homes that you can apply if and when caring for relatives at home.

From 5 star hotels to retirement homes

The worlds of 5 star hotels and retirement homes might seem miles apart. Roger Hayward, general manager at The Chocolate Quarter retirement village in Keynsham near Bristol, shares how the new development is using lessons hotels and holidays to the benefit of its residents.

Trust’s participation in Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds featured in new book

The St Monica Trust’s participation in Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds is being featured in a new academic book celebrating the very best of intergenerational learning from around the world.

Jane’s ‘double’ gives care home cause for celebration

A carer at a St Monica Trust care home has achieved a notable ‘double’ by winning two awards at two recent awards ceremonies.

Fry’s Fire Service Engine rings bells at Keynsham 10k

Formerly the Fry’s chocolate factory, the St Monica Trust’s Chocolate Quarter retirement village comes with a long and rich history in the Keynsham area.

B Block wins at Crumbs Awards

B Block Pizza were winners at the prestigious Crumbs Awards, which celebrate the best in food and drink in the Bristol area.

The power of food is love - with Chef Jeremy Bassett

25 years as a chef has taught Jeremy some valuable lessons. Now he's using them to benefit the residents of a North Somerset retirement community.

Keynsham 10K raises record amount for boxing charity

B Block sponsored Keynsham 10K raises record amount for young people at boxing charity.

Pet-friendly retirement villages and why we need them: Angela's Story

Our pets mean the world to us and that doesn't change as we get older. Here Angela, a resident at The Chocolate Quarter retirement village, shares why choosing a pet-friendly retirement village was so important to her.

Bradley Stoke U16s looking good for the new season

Bradley Stoke Youth U16s are looking good for the new season with a new set of training tops sponsored by the St Monica Trust.

Local organisations invited to apply for £60k Continuation Fund

Organisations improving the lives of older people invited to apply for new launched by Trust’s Community Impact Team.

Somerdale Pavilion Trust to run Keynsham’s Somerdale Pavilion

The newly-formed Somerdale Pavilion Trust has taken over the running of the Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham.

9 Tips for a Low Maintenance Garden in Retirement

From the plants you choose to tools and technology, there are plenty of simple ways to create a low-maintenance garden in retirement. Here Andy Gore, a gardener at Westbury Fields retirement village in Bristol, shares his top tips.

Exercising as an Older Adult - with Lee Scott

Retirement community gym manager Lee Scott shares a beginner's guide to exercising as an older adult. Lee helps us navigate the growing number of age-friendly exercise types available on our doorsteps to find the best one for you.

Things to do in Keynsham: A handy community guide

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Keynsham, the historic market town between Bristol and Bath. 18 months on from opening The Chocolate Quarter, our retirement village come community space, here are our favourites so far.

5 Helpful Tips when Planning a Retirement Move

From downsizing and decluttering to locations and looking to the future, moving home in retirement can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. As our residents have all been through the process we asked them for their top tips when planning a retirement move. Here's what they had to say...

A Teacher Never Fully Retires - Esme's Story

"I'm a very crafty person. I'm not very clever, but I'm clever with my hands", retired home economics teacher Esme says as the afternoon sun fills the front room of her home. We pay her a visit to chat about her busy life at Westbury Fields retirement village and leave having learned a lesson or two of our own.

Children's Scrapstore collects St Monica Trust funding

​A grant from the St Monica Trust’s community fund is helping a charity that turns business waste into art, craft and play materials, develop activities for older people.​

St Monica Trust residents take part in driverless car demonstration

St Monica Trust residents have taken part in a demonstration to see how driverless vehicles could make a difference to their everyday lives.

Magic table provides fun and games for Russets residents

A Magic Table gifted to the Trust’s Russets dementia care home provides stimulating physical, mental and social activity for residents.

When Sport Lifts Us Up - with Paul Maines

Ahead of National Archery Day, group instructor and ArcheryGB coach Paul Maines explains how weekly sessions at a North Somerset retirement village are touching the lives of all involved.

Internet shopping, iTunes and IMDb: Tony's Story

​Former civil engineer Tony Durrant, now living at Westbury Fields retirement village in Bristol, explains how embracing technology and the creative arts has enhanced his life in retirement.​

The Road to Outstanding Podcast - with David Williams

Chief Executive at St Monica Trust, David Williams, shares his story, lessons on intergenerational activities and the journey behind our involvement with Channel 4 programme "Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds" in this episode of The Road to Outstanding podcast.

Breaking Through The Glass Wall: Douglas's Story

“Some people think there’s a kind of glass wall around this place, like they need to stay away because it’s full of ‘old people’.” Douglas, a resident at Sandford Station retirement village in North Somerset, tells us how a railway heritage centre at the heart of the village is helping break down barriers and is welcoming in the wider community.

Changing Somebody's Day - with Domenica Hall

Domenica does something truly extraordinary. Through a programme of film clubs and food events, computer classes and crafts, she brings the older people at Westbury Fields retirement village together in community, reduces loneliness and changes somebody’s day for the better. She shares the what and why of her role as Community Engagement Coordinator.

Meeting for Coffee: Jeffery and Anne's Story

Jeffery was lonely. With few local connections and feeling detached from his community, he wanted some help to build his confidence. Anne, a volunteer for our ACE Neighbours project, was just the person for the job. Here's how six months together benefited both of their lives.

Sharing the Same Space - with Jo Bird

“The minute I let my hair go grey I became invisible”, Jo’s friend told her. As Community Engagement Coordinator at The Chocolate Quarter, she shares how the retirement village is challenging preconceptions of ageing and bringing people closer together.

The Chocolate Quarter wins top architectural award

The Chocolate Quarter has won the award for Best Regeneration Project at the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards 2019.

Cricket in the Community: Keith's Story

As we enter the cricket season we speak to Keith and Christine, residents at our Westbury Fields retirement village, about a lifelong passion for the sport and how they found a community within a community with Bishopston Cricket Club, whose main grounds sit at the centre of the village.

Ace Neighbours: Roger and Jos's story

After his wife passed away Roger found it difficult to get involved in life outside his home. That's when he met Jos, a volunteer for the ACE Neighbours project, and formed a special bond that would change both of their lives.

Acts of Kindness: Jill's Story

Ahead of Random Acts of Kindness Day we caught up with Jill Cownie, a resident at our Westbury Fields retirement village, for a chat about her story and the extra care she takes to welcome new members of the community.

A bellyful of pizza and laughs at B Block

A comedy gig at a retirement village? Are you having a laugh? Yet that’s exactly what happened at B Block Pizzeria recently.

A Year at The Chocolate Quarter: Michael and Carole's Story

A little over a year since The Chocolate Quarter opened its doors, we caught up with the very first residents to reserve an apartment in the now award-winning retirement community. Together they share highlights from their first year, their reasons for choosing TCQ and some helpful tips on downsizing.

Welcome to the Art and Pottery Studio - with Joe Tymkow

Open to residents and the public alike, The Chocolate Quarter Art and Pottery Studio is one of the things that makes the Keynsham retirement village quite unique. Here, Artist in Residence Joe Tymkow shares some of his story and how he's using it to inspire creativity in people of all ages.

Take a VR tour of the Russets dementia care home

Relatives seeking dementia care for their loved ones can now take a virtual tour of the Trust’s Russets dementia care home.

MUD, glorious MUD!

Trust's Learning and Development team takes gold for its MUD training programme at the Training Journal Awards.

The Power of a Shed - with Sam Pycroft

It’s the small things that make a house a home. Retirement Community Manager Sam Pycroft explains how the addition of a new garden shed has brought the Sandford Station community together and spurred on some unexpected creative projects.

The Unknown Gardens of Bristol - with Kirsty Frampton

As autumn rolls on many of us have been venturing outdoors to explore the best gardens the South West has to offer. We spoke to St Monica Trust Gardens Lead Kirsty Frampton about the little known gardens on site at each of the Trust’s 5 retirement communities, in Bristol and North Somerset, and the huge difference they make to residents.

My Allotment and Me: Val's Story

We spoke with Val Stokes, resident at our Sandford Station retirement village, about her raised allotment beds, the benefits of an active lifestyle at 95 and top tips for first-time gardeners.

Russets residents mark centenary of First World War with one hundred poppies

Residents at the Trust’s Russets dementia care home in Sandford have made their own tribute to all those who served in the First World War.

The Codebreakers of WW2: Peter's Story

As we approach Remembrance Day, we caught up with former Royal Navy signalman and St Monica Trust resident Peter Budd about his experiences during the Second World War.

St Monica Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award

Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award at the Foodservice Cateys 2018.

B Block Pizza sponsors relaunched Keynsham 10K

Organisers of re-launched Keynsham 10K announce race will be sponsored by B Block pizza

Trust’s resident contributes to World Alzheimer’s Report

Sandford Station resident calls for urgent response to dementia research and diagnosis.

Health Secretary ‘bowled over’ by Westbury Fields

Secretary of State praises Trust’s innovative approach to care during a visit to Westbury Fields retirement village.

Trust's commitment to excellence recognised with special award

The St Monica Trust’s commitment to achieving excellence in customer service has been recognised with Hospitality Assured’s special 20th Anniversary Award.

54 steps

An internationally renowned artist is holding an exhibition of his work at The Chocolate Quarter thanks to the support of Charterhouse's care team and volunteers.

Generation games unite school kids with Russets residents

Primary school children and residents living with dementia are bridging the generation gap by playing games, doing arts and craft and learning about one another’s lives.

Trust makes its Mark by reducing carbon footprint

​The St Monica Trust has been officially presented with The Planet Mark™ Certificate in recognition of its commitment to year-on-year progress in sustainability.​

Trust sponsors Mini Cheddars

Cheddar Valley Rugby Club Mini and Junior Players celebrated their annual, end of season Festival of Rugby wearing a brand new kit sponsored by the St Monica Trust.

Princess Royal opens The Chocolate Quarter

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham on Friday 13 April, 2018.

Here comes the sun

A new dawn will rise at The Chocolate Quarter with a unique art installation marking its grand opening.

Get a taste of The Chocolate Quarter this Easter

The Chocolate Quarter is hosting a week of family events this Easter to celebrate its official opening.

Trust's Care at Home service rated 'Good' by CQC

St Monica Trust’s Care at Home service has received a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC in its recent inspection report.

£100k fund launched to transform older people's services

Six leading charitable trusts have joined forces to create a £100,000 fund that will benefit the lives of older people in Bristol.

The School of Food launches

St Monica Trust and one of Bristol's top chefs look to inspire future generations to get cooking!

Chocolate Quarter opens its doors to community

The St Monica Trust’s highly anticipated new development, The Chocolate Quarter, will open its doors to the community on Saturday 2 December.

Friends reunited!

Watch the Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds Christmas Special on Channel 4, Monday 18 December at 9.00pm!

Even the Lord Mayor is a fan!

Lord Mayor of Bristol visits St Monica Trust to meet stars of hit Channel 4 show.

High five!

Trust’s care services scoop five awards at Care and Support West ceremony.

Improving older people’s lives is child’s play

Residents at a St Monica Trust retirement community are hoping to revolutionise the way we care for older people by taking part in a ground breaking social experiment filmed by Channel 4.

MayFest - A festival for the ages

Samba drumming, May Pole Dancing and a carnival procession are not the typical types of activities you’d expect to find at a retirement community.

CQC impressed by care home’s ethos

The leadership at a St Monica Trust care home has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors.

MayFest at Sandford Station

Sandford Station retirement community will open its doors this May Bank Holiday to provide a day of fun for people of all ages.

St Monica Trust wins ‘best employer’ award

The St Monica Trust’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of care was recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Mary and Marina return for new series of Gogglebox

The nation’s favourite Bristolian grannies return to our television screens this Friday for the new series of Gogglebox.

Violet celebrates 100th birthday

Monica Wills House’s first centenarian recently celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, family, staff and the Lord Mayor of Bristol.

St Monica Trust is ‘best in healthcare sector'

The St Monica Trust has become the highest scorer in the UK’s healthcare sector in its annual Hospitality Assured assessment.

Residents raise £1k for local hospice

Residents at St Monica Trust’s Sandford Station retirement community have raised £1,000 for Weston Hospicecare through their regular Wednesday afternoon charity tea.

Trust’s chefs serve medieval menu

Take two St Monica Trust’s chefs, a specialist in historical dining, add a recipe that is over six hundred years old and serve together for a fundraising lunch in support of a good cause.

Recruitment open day - Sandford Station

Join us at our Sandford Station retirement community for a recruitment open day on Thursday 10 November.

The Chocolate Quarter looks good enough to eat

Prospective buyers were offered a slice of retirement living at the opening The Chocolate Quarter’s show home and marketing suite.

You’ve been framed

Physiotherapists at the Trust’s Cote Lane retirement community have donated a van load of unwanted walking frames to a local charity that helps amputees in Africa.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Trust

The St Monica Trust needs volunteers to help with a new befriending project at our award-winning dementia care home in Sandford, Winscombe.

Topping out ceremony at The Chocolate Quarter

This market town ain’t big enough for the both of us

A great experience for Meggie

Meggie Davidson has been sharpening her catering skills in the Oatley House kitchen as part of her supported Into Catering internship.

Ensuring a future for older people’s groups in North Somerset

A new grant programme has opened, aimed at helping to sustain vital older people’s support projects in the county.

New director of transformation and development appointed by the Trust

The St Monica Trust is pleased to confirm the appointment of Sara Naylor-Wild as its Director of Transformation and Development.

Trust’s care services recognised at prestigious awards ceremony

Two St Monica Trust colleagues have been recognised for their outstanding work in the care industry at this year’s Care and Support West Awards.

United we care

Following the announcement that the United Kingdom will leave the EU, we would like to give reassurance that everyone is valued at St Monica Trust.

Trust commits £1.2 million to help disadvantaged older people

St Monica Trust is increasing its Community Fund to £1.2 million a year to help improve the lives disadvantaged older people.

Welcome to Keynsham's Chocolate Quarter

The St Monica Trust has named its new retirement community at the former Somerdale factory in Keynsham, The Chocolate Quarter.

Foundation stone laid at new Keynsham retirement community

The foundation stone has been laid at the former Somerdale factory in Keynsham to mark the start of building works at the St Monica Trust’s fifth retirement community

Trust purchases former Cadbury's chocolate factory

The former Cadbury’s chocolate factory in Keynsham has been secured for development by the St Monica Trust and will become its fifth retirement community.