Celebrating the Power of Community Connection, and Belonging

A collage of community artwork layered to create a garden seating area scene.

At Sanctuary Care, we believe in the extraordinary power of community connections in creating a true sense of belonging—one that enriches lives in profound and lasting ways.

A purple corner jigsaw piece with the wording "a study of 2000 adults found connections peak in our early 20's. The interlocking pink jigsaw piece reads "The average UK adult has 8 friends - but only count 4 to be close".

A purple edge jigsaw piece reading " over 65s are most likely to stay in touch with those in their local community" this interlocks into a green corner jigsaw piece reading "63% of people aged 65 and over feel safe knowing they have trusted companions nearby".

Working with residents in our care homes nationwide, we created a mosaic mural which serves a visual reminder of the sense of belonging we can discover in the communities around us.

This unique artwork was designed by a talented mosaic artist, Victoria Harrison, and brought to life through the creativity of our residents. Each resident contributed their own individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories and memories, seamlessly woven together.

I was inspired to create the garden scene for this project as it felt like a perfect metaphor for the connections and relationships that can grow and flourish in care home communities and beyond.

Quote from Victoria Harrison, of Malvern’s Living Mosaics

This mural is more than just art—it embodies these values and offers a lasting tribute to the strength of community. It will serve as an inspiration to residents, families, and the wider public, highlighting the connections that truly enrich our lives. 

“Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings. They improve our sense of well-being, contribute to our quality of life and have the potential to have important benefits for our physical health. Meaningful social relationships can act as a buffer to loneliness, helping us to become more resilient, especially at points of transition in our lives.

“The research reinforces a growing body of evidence that strong connections with our local community, and the places and spaces where we live and interact, can bring a sense of belonging, which can help sustain us through the challenges and joys of ageing.”

Quote from Dr Andrea Wigfield the Director at the Centre for Loneliness Studies

Stories of Connection

Resident Doreen and the painted tree she created for the communities and belonging project.

Doreen Hughes, age 89, Lime Tree Court Residential Care Home

From: Birmingham

What connection means to her:
“Community is belonging – it makes the world a happier place.”

Inspiration behind her artwork:
Doreen was inspired by the view outside her window – beautiful trees that she imagined in full summer bloom. She reflected on how, just like trees, people thrive when they help each other: “When we are helping each other, we can all bloom and blossom.”

Ricki ‘Ulrike’ Neville, age 87, Penberthy Residential Care Home

From: Bristol, Germany and later moved to Glasgow, Scotland where she had her son Mark and then later moved to Cornwall

What connection means to her: “Community is where we all come together and be kind to one another.”

Inspiration behind her artwork: Her artwork was inspired by what she does as a family at Penberthy Residential Care Home, from singing and music to painting. She wanted a family to be in the middle as here at Penberthy, she says they are a family”

Resident Ricki and the painted tree she created for the communities and belonging project.

Resident Roger and the painted tree he created for the communities and belonging project.

Roger Gillard, age 87, Beechwood Residential Care Home

From: Upton-upon-Severn

What connection means to him: “After gaining my FA Coaching Certificate in the early 1970s, I spent many very happy years coaching at different age levels in various schools in which I taught. The coaching of football at all levels has enabled me to play an active part in the life of the community and to widen my own personal contact with people of all ages and backgrounds.”

For over 25 years, Sanctuary Care has been dedicated to going beyond the standard expectations of care. We enrich lives by placing the uniqueness of each resident at the heart of what we do, understanding their passions, dreams, and the connections that bring them joy.

Our independent research has revealed that an enriched life is defined by fulfilling six essential senses: