In Camden we have a richness of expertise, knowledge and experience working with older people.
We used a ‘test and learn’ approach, giving us the flexibility to try out a range of approaches to tackle social isolation and loneliness. We shared when things went well or not as intended, so that others can learn from our experiences. We contributed to an evidence-base to influence future service development. We are keen to share what we learned to support others who are tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people.
If you would like to learn more about anything we have shared here, please contact Jo Stapleton, Ageing Better in Camden Good Practice Mentor until March 2023 E: [email protected] or T: 0207 239 0400
Jo can also offer FREE OUTREACH GUIDANCE AND TRAINING for individuals and organisations to develop their own outreach approach/practice.
Impact reports
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Research & learning areas
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Test & Learn reports
Our Impact (2022)
In this final report, we are proud to highlight key strands of Ageing Better in Camden’s work, developed from 2015 to 2022. This work enabled ABC and partners to find, engage and support older people from diverse communities to participate in social activities, to make stronger social connections and to increase their sense of belonging.
Click here to read 2022 report
ouR ImPact (2019)
Ageing Better in Camden came a long way in its first four years. The delivery partnership grew from a small circle of six organisations and a handful of local older people to funding and working together with 30 community organisations reaching 7,000 older people in Camden in order to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
Click here to read 2019 report
the warm welcome approach
What is a Warm Welcome and why does it matter to older people? Throughout our programme, older people have told us that being welcomed (or not) to a community activity has a big impact on their wellbeing and on whether they will return. We found there were ten main elements for creating a Warm Welcome which encouraged social connection and a sense of belonging.
The Outreach Approach
Our Outreach Team met and engaged with thousands of older people, particularly those who may not already be in contact with services and support. We trialled innovative approaches to finding and meeting older people.
Click here to read our research and learning reports and our guides for practitioners. And find out about FREE EXPERT OUTREACH GUIDANCE AND TRAINING on offer until March 2023.
WORKING WITH MINORITISED COMMUNITIES
This report describes ABC work to commission specialist provision for older people from under-served minority communities in Camden. It involved funding activities to meet their needs, and which were delivered by culturally appropriate organisations. And it meant that isolated older people from these communities would attend activities, create connections, make friends and so experience increased well-being. Click here to read the full report.
the BAME-LED PARTNERSHIP
ABC commissioned independent research into the development, implementation and impact of our BAME-CAP project. Partner organisations were uniquely placed to work with older people from their communities but faced systemic barriers to obtaining funding and building capacity. We welcome you to read the report summary, or read the full report.
Best Practice: Engaging and Involving Older People in Consultations and Meetings
This briefing paper provides points to consider when planning and managing meetings, and ideas to keep the conversation moving on. It will help inform and support voluntary and statutory partners who want to engage and involve older people in their work.
Please click here to read our briefing paper.
Bridging the Digital Divide
During the Covid-19 crisis we have been focusing on making sure members are not excluded because they don’t have access to the internet. This page is a collection of the work we and our partners have been doing on Bridging the Digital Divide.
Reports & learning around Covid-19
During the Covid-19 crisis community groups have adapted with great energy and flexibility to reach and engage with older people. Working with our delivery partners and our Ageing Better partners around the country, we have produced a number of free reports and guides. We hope that these will be of use to other community groups. Click here for all reports and learning around Covid-19.
bangladeshi womens' swimming sessions
The Bangladeshi Community Action project have a member advisory group who come up with all of their activities. The women wanted to go swimming and it has since become a very popular regular activity!
street photography around camden
At the Mary Ward Centre we have a 32-student strong digital photography class for older residents. This is run in partnership with North London Cares, a local charity introducing young professionals to their older neighbours. The classes are adapted according to the wishes of participants. They wanted to leave the classroom and go out into the streets to learn about street photography. So we did. This is what we learnt.
integrating technology into activities
At North London Cares we introduce young professionals to their older neighbours through a variety of free social clubs. We wanted to introduce technology into our activities programme as an opportunity to engage interest and give a small insight into the benefits of technology, without it feeling like a lesson. It has been a big success. Find out why.
community campaigning: fighting for benches in camden
Benches are a place to take a break, enjoy a moment of contemplation or have a catch up. Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) share their insight on years of community campaigning, working with the council and local residents to get more benches in the places where older residents need them most. Find out what they've learnt over the years.
Working with pharmacies
When the ABC programme began, we worked with local pharmacies to try and reach the older people ‘no one knows’. Pharmacies seemed like a safe, health focused space that everyone used, so a great place to reach out to people and offer support. This report explains what we learned from this work and how we decided to take the work forward. Read the pharmacy report.
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