Blog 27-07-2021 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. Read Article
News 08-07-2021 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. Read Article
News 23-06-2021 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. Read Article
News 19-05-2021 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. Read Article
News 29-04-2021 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. Read Article
News 15-03-2021 Director of nursing homes appointed by the St Monica Trust St Monica Trust confirms appointment of Amy Herbert as director of nursing homes. Read Article
Blog 12-03-2021 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. Read Article
Blog 11-02-2021 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. Read Article
News 24-12-2020 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. Read Article
News 16-12-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 30-10-2020 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. Read Article
News 27-10-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 21-10-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 12-06-2020 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. Read Article
News 12-06-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 28-05-2020 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. Read Article
News 14-05-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 23-04-2020 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. Read Article
News 06-03-2020 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. Read Article
News 02-03-2020 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. Read Article
News 26-02-2020 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. Read Article
News 19-02-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 04-02-2020 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. Read Article
News 24-01-2020 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. Read Article
News 17-01-2020 ‘Family’ approach gets Outstanding rating for John Wills House care home St Monica Trust care home rated ‘Outstanding’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors. Read Article
News 08-01-2020 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. Read Article
Blog 19-12-2019 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. Read Article
News 05-12-2019 £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. Read Article
Blog 25-11-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 21-11-2019 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. Read Article
News 18-11-2019 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. Read Article
News 08-11-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 04-11-2019 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. Read Article
News 28-10-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 14-10-2019 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. Read Article
News 10-10-2019 Keynsham 10K raises record amount for boxing charity B Block sponsored Keynsham 10K raises record amount for young people at boxing charity. Read Article
Blog 03-10-2019 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. Read Article
News 27-09-2019 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. Read Article
News 16-09-2019 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. Read Article
News 04-09-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 14-08-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 31-07-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 17-07-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 14-06-2019 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... Read Article
Blog 07-06-2019 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. Read Article
News 24-05-2019 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. Read Article
News 21-05-2019 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. Read Article
News 09-05-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 02-05-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 02-05-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 29-04-2019 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. Read Article
News 10-04-2019 Funding Alliance supports transformation of services for older people Funding Alliance releasing £150,000 to help organisations improve their services for older people in Bristol. Read Article
Blog 04-04-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 27-03-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 27-03-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 22-03-2019 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. Read Article
News 19-03-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 07-03-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 27-02-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 14-02-2019 Inside the Dementia Day Service: Dave and Diane's Story At first Dave was anxious about visiting the dementia day service. Then everything changed. From their home in North Bristol, local couple Dave and Diane share their experiences at the Westbury Fields Dementia Day Service, how it’s helped them find new friendships and rediscover their independence. Read Article
Blog 01-02-2019 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. Read Article
News 28-01-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 28-01-2019 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. Read Article
Blog 25-01-2019 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. Read Article
News 07-01-2019 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. Read Article
News 18-12-2018 MUD, glorious MUD! Trust's Learning and Development team takes gold for its MUD training programme at the Training Journal Awards. Read Article
Blog 21-11-2018 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. Read Article
Blog 16-11-2018 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. Read Article
News 13-11-2018 St Monica Trust appoints new Chief Operating Officer The St Monica Trust is pleased to confirm the appointment of Kevin Hall as its new Chief Operating Officer. Read Article
Blog 12-11-2018 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. Read Article
News 09-11-2018 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. Read Article
Blog 05-11-2018 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. Read Article
News 31-10-2018 St Monica Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award Trust wins Healthcare Caterer of the Year award at the Foodservice Cateys 2018. Read Article
News 01-10-2018 B Block Pizza sponsors relaunched Keynsham 10K Organisers of re-launched Keynsham 10K announce race will be sponsored by B Block pizza Read Article
News 24-09-2018 Trust’s resident contributes to World Alzheimer’s Report Sandford Station resident calls for urgent response to dementia research and diagnosis. Read Article
News 14-09-2018 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. Read Article
News 13-08-2018 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. Read Article
News 06-07-2018 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. Read Article
News 25-05-2018 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. Read Article
News 18-05-2018 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. Read Article
News 30-04-2018 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. Read Article
News 16-04-2018 Princess Royal opens The Chocolate Quarter Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham on Friday 13 April, 2018. Read Article
News 05-04-2018 Here comes the sun A new dawn will rise at The Chocolate Quarter with a unique art installation marking its grand opening. Read Article
News 05-03-2018 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. Read Article
News 13-02-2018 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. Read Article
News 06-02-2018 £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. Read Article
News 30-11-2017 The School of Food launches St Monica Trust and one of Bristol's top chefs look to inspire future generations to get cooking! Read Article
News 29-11-2017 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. Read Article
News 23-11-2017 Friends reunited! Watch the Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds Christmas Special on Channel 4, Monday 18 December at 9.00pm! Read Article
News 16-11-2017 Even the Lord Mayor is a fan! Lord Mayor of Bristol visits St Monica Trust to meet stars of hit Channel 4 show. Read Article
News 09-11-2017 High five! Trust’s care services scoop five awards at Care and Support West ceremony. Read Article
News 30-07-2017 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. Read Article
News 14-05-2017 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. Read Article
News 30-04-2017 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. Read Article
News 05-03-2017 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. Read Article
News 26-02-2017 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. Read Article
News 24-02-2017 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. Read Article
News 23-01-2017 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. Read Article
News 12-01-2017 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. Read Article
News 01-12-2016 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. Read Article
