Ruth Johns

Ruth Isabella Johns (née Thomas; 28 January 1934 – 21 September 2025) was a British social historian, community organiser, journalist and author.

Background Johns was born in Romford, Essex on 28 January 1934. Her mother Dorothy Thomas (née Dann) was a teacher until she was married and was forced to give up her profession due to the marriage bar. Her father was Gilbert Thomas, an author and poet.

In 1991, Johns completed an MA in Peace Studies at Bradford University.

Johns died on 21 September 2025, at the age of 91.

Work In 1961, Johns became a founding member of the Pre-School Playgroups Association. a community housing association at the Croft, Alexandra Park, Nottingham The project was called a "revolutionary idea" by the Home Office.

In 1976, after her divorce, Johns moved to London with her children and became the National Director of Action Resource Centre (ARC), advising government and large companies on how they could support community initiatives.

As finding employment for young people became an increasingly critical issue, she wrote the outline of the initiative which became the Prince's Trust.

Published works Her first book Life Goes On, about the first ten years as Director of Family First was sponsored by the Gulbenkian Foundation and published independently in 1982.

In 2002 her book St Ann's Nottingham: inner city voices was published.

Disability In 1987 after several years of unexplained illness, Johns was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).