The local community gather with the Chelsea Pensioners at the Soane Stable Yard

Community Engagement

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Community Engagement

Our Vision for Community Engagement 

Here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, our varied Community Engagement programme is underpinned by our values of nurturing belonging, championing respect, encouraging pride and supporting older people to enjoy life. 

Through creative programming and partnership working, we are connecting local audiences with the heritage and history of the Chelsea Pensioners and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. As a result, we hope to support the wellbeing of both our local community, and our resident veterans.

Regular Events

We host regular Wellbeing Tuesday sessions for older isolated adults, people living with dementia and their carers and loved ones. All sessions take place in the Soane Stable Yard studio and no experience is required. Sessions are focused on bringing locals together with Chelsea Pensioners to have some fun!

To register interest and book your space for any of our community events: 
Email: CommunityEngagement@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Phone: 07583 695 301

A group of senior women engaged in various yoga and pilates exercised on colourful mats on a wooden floor.

Community Event: Seated movement and exercise classes

Mon 17th Nov 2025 11.30am - Mon 24th Nov 2025 12.15pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Room, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Get to know your neighbours and the Chelsea Pensioners over a cuppa at our monthly free coffee morning. Play games, discuss current affairs or our unique art and history collection, reminisce or simply meet new people, all in the historic setting of the Royal Hospital's Soane Stable Yard.

A group of people hold various mugs and cups full of tea and coffee in a collective "cheers" - beneath the cups is a wooden table with saucers, spoons and various pastries strewn about it.

Community Event: Coffee Morning

Fri 21st Nov 2025 10.00am - Tue 15th Sep 2026 12.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Room, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Get to know your neighbours and the Chelsea Pensioners over a cuppa at our monthly free coffee morning. Play games, discuss current affairs or our unique art and history collection, reminisce or simply meet new people, all in the historic setting of the Royal Hospital's Soane Stable Yard.

Chelsea Pensioners holding open the doors of the Wren Chapel to welcoming visitors

Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Sensory Walk

Fri 28th Nov 2025 10.30am - Tue 22nd Sep 2026 12.00pm
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Room, Royal Hospital Chelsea

xperience the 330-year-old buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in a totally new way. Each month we will take a relaxed, sensory stroll through different areas of the Royal Hospital grounds. Smell the aromas of the delicious food served in the Great Hall, hear beautiful organ music in the Wren Chapel, or take in the stunning Christopher Wren architecture. 

Chelsea Pensioner Singers

Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Singing Sessions

Tue 9th Dec 2025 10.00am - Tue 8th Sep 2026 11.30am
Location: Soane Stable Yard Activity Room, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Our monthly dementia-inclusive singing group provides an opportunity for local older people and those affected by dementia to come together, have fun and improve their wellbeing. Enjoy a good, hearty singing session and exercise your mind and soul. And don’t worry if you think you can’t sing - it's all about enjoying yourself! 

Children, families and the local community gather with Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital's Prince Philip Activity Centre

Our Audiences 

Our current community engagement work is made possible through the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are currently able to work with the following audiences: 

  • London residents living with dementia or other cognitive decline, alongside their families, friends, carers and loved ones. This work is also supported by City Bridge Foundation, the funding arm of The City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates (1035628). 
  • Residents of the World’s End estate, including the primary and secondary schools which serve them.
  • Veterans interested in the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This work is done in partnership with our Chelsea Pensioner Veterans Outreach team.  
  • Serving members of the Armed Forces and their families. 

Future work 

If your organisation or community group are interested in working in partnership with the Royal Hospital Chelsea now or in the future, please contact us. 

Email: CommunityEngagement@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

Phone: 0207 881 5493

For guided tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, visit our tours page.  

Made possible with Heritage Fund (Small)