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.
The forum was hosted by the Trust’s Centre of Innovation and was dedicated to encouraging collaboration and fresh-thinking between partner organisations within the health and social care sector.
Chief Executive of the St Monica Trust, David Williams said: “The Trust’s Centre of Innovation was established to work in partnership with our existing services and external partners in designing new models of care and how to best embed useful technology within our retirement villages and care homes.
“That is why this forum has brought together a ‘community’ of innovators and the people and organisations whose own missions overlap with the Trust’s, so we can work together strategically to create truly integrated communities where older people can flourish.”
Community led innovation
Attendees included representatives from the University of Bath, University of Bristol, National Care Forum, Bristol City Council, healthcare providers, technology-led start-ups and entrepreneurs, as well as residents and staff from across the St Monica Trust.
Founder and CEO of Tresacare, Elizabeth Beh, said: "The Innovation Forum brought together a diverse range of stakeholders passionate about transforming social care and it was inspiring to see the creativity, energy, and commitment shown by the participants.
“It demonstrated the power of co-design and community-led innovation, and amplifying the voices of care workers, people receiving care and their families. I firmly believe that events like this are crucial in shaping a better future for social care."
Making a real difference
A series of talks, workshops and discussions around the themes of healthy ageing and care innovation were held throughout the day at the Trust’s Cote Lane Retirement Village.
Topics covered included challenging stereotypes about older people and understanding loneliness, to discussing the future care workforce and new healthcare technology.
Director of Innovation, Paul Tisdale said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents, colleagues and guests from universities, charities, and businesses coming together to collaborate. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone was truly inspiring.”
“One thing was clear: innovation isn’t about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s about making a real difference. We want to reframe ageing and design solutions that truly support people as they grow older, and we invite everyone to join us and commit to making a difference.”
The Centre of Innovation is seeking to collaborate with charities, academics, private companies, start-ups, social enterprises and innovators to create integrated communities where older people can flourish. For more information, please email innovate@stmonicatrust.org.uk.
