Groups: learning from Ageing Better
Author(s)
NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND
Publisher(s):
National Lottery Community Fund
Publication year:
2022
This paper focuses on Ageing Better’s learning around groups. It fits into our national learning by illustrating one of the key themes, developing the ecosystem – providing activities and groups people ‘want’ to engage with and opportunities and provision for people to set up their own groups. Ageing Better is a test and learn programme. It is collecting information and insights from across 14 partnerships to identify learning that will be useful for other programmes and organisations delivering activities aimed at reducing social isolation in people aged 50+. Groups have an important role to play in both the prevention of social isolation and loneliness and as an exit route and connection to other things as people become less socially isolated and lonely. Groups have an important role in providing social connection but also in providing people with a structure and purpose. All groups benefit from people aged 50+ playing an active role within them. Groups can be started by volunteers or by paid staff. Anyone can be supported to start a group but the longevity of Ageing Better means socially isolated people could be supported over a longer period to develop their confidence and skills. A range of practical support is needed for groups as they establish. There is an important role for groups organised and run by paid staff as they allow more complex referrals and a reach to people who do not have time to volunteer. Attracting new group members and encouraging existing members to support the group often requires careful use of language to attract and engage people. Making people feel welcome is a key part to supporting people to attend initially and continue to attend sessions. A group facilitator plays a critical role in helping the group function well. The paper also discusses digital groups and hybrid delivery and describes the practicalities to consider when running telephone or online groups. (Edited publisher abstract)
