Wise Connections: co-designing places to support creative ageing
Lead Research Organisation:
The Open University
Department Name: Faculty of Sci, Tech, Eng & Maths (STEM)
Abstract
As we grow older, we need to keep growing our intellectual, social, cultural and professional aspirations to produce something of value for us and for others. Research suggests that as we age, retaining and growing these creative capabilities is fundamental for our health and wellbeing, the wellbeing of our families but also the development of our society at large. However, research also suggests that as we grow older we progressively find fewer real opportunities to (re-)imagine, (re-)discover and truly integrate what we value to do or be into the production of something of value. In other words, as we grow older there is an increased marginalisation of our creative capabilities.
The aim and vision of the project is to respond to this challenge by creating a kind of 'habitat' that provides opportunities for people (and the communities in which they belong) to keep growing their creative capabilities as they age. This habitat is envisaged as a network of physical and/or digital spaces, referred to as 'allotments', where people and organisations have opportunities to co-produce or simply engage with physical and/or digital socio-cultural materials and activities, referred to as 'seeds'. Seeds can reach people in their own homes, public or professional environments and aim to work as triggers that inspire and enable people to (re-)imagine and (co-)create something of value for them and others. 'Seeds' are developed to foster curiosity for exploration, connection of people's interests, emotions, aspirations and ideas, integration of different identities, experiences and capabilities and experimentation. The value of this proposal is the opportunity to access 'seeds' that enable people to shape their own 'places', i.e. their own spaces of social connections of trust, valued practices and environments, where they can discover, integrate and connect what they value to do into the production of something of value.
The project will develop the first family of seeds and allotments but also the organisational and enterprise model that is required in order to sustainably grow this ecosystem.
The aim and vision of the project is to respond to this challenge by creating a kind of 'habitat' that provides opportunities for people (and the communities in which they belong) to keep growing their creative capabilities as they age. This habitat is envisaged as a network of physical and/or digital spaces, referred to as 'allotments', where people and organisations have opportunities to co-produce or simply engage with physical and/or digital socio-cultural materials and activities, referred to as 'seeds'. Seeds can reach people in their own homes, public or professional environments and aim to work as triggers that inspire and enable people to (re-)imagine and (co-)create something of value for them and others. 'Seeds' are developed to foster curiosity for exploration, connection of people's interests, emotions, aspirations and ideas, integration of different identities, experiences and capabilities and experimentation. The value of this proposal is the opportunity to access 'seeds' that enable people to shape their own 'places', i.e. their own spaces of social connections of trust, valued practices and environments, where they can discover, integrate and connect what they value to do into the production of something of value.
The project will develop the first family of seeds and allotments but also the organisational and enterprise model that is required in order to sustainably grow this ecosystem.
Organisations
- The Open University (Lead Research Organisation)
- Myers-Insole Local Learning (Collaboration)
- Alive Activities (Collaboration)
- Open University (Collaboration)
- University of the West of England (Collaboration)
- Age UK (Collaboration)
- Alive! Activities (Project Partner)
- Myers-Insole Local Learning CiC (Project Partner)
- Age UK (Project Partner)
| Description | The project has created an interactive approach to help people as they grow older to "think outside the box" and discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. In the first phase of the project, the approach was delivered by a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. The box has taken several different realisations (as a community game, as a door to door 'passing the parcel initiative' or as a static box in various venues). One of the key objectives of these experiments was to understand whether these boxes can generate interest but also interactions that can lead to initiatives. The first phase of the study showed that these boxes had been adopted and appropriated by various settings (GP practice, Community Libraries, Local heritage initiatives) demonstrating the feasibility of the approach. In the second phase, the project focused on the design and prototyping of an interactive box that would serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. These conversations aimed in particular to assist social prescribers, befrienders, caregivers, and older adults in exploring what they truly value to be able to do or be, whether related to social and economic well-being, mental health, or caregiving responsibilities. The second phase of the study had the following key outputs/outcomes: Insights: insights about the social and cultural factors that inhibit or enable conversations through the use material objects - and the possibilities or limitations of developing general purpose 'box' to facilitate meaningful conversations A prototype: the development of a general purpose interactive box that can be used as a catalyst for meaningful conversations within diverse contexts: such as social and economic well-being, mental health, or caregiving responsibilities. |
| Exploitation Route | The project produced a series of different interpretations of an interactive box that helps people connect to each other and explore creative ways to improve their life. As we share our learning of the conditions that support the box to work well in different settings (regarding both the physical characteristics of the box and the ways in which the process can be facilitated) we expect more organisations to be able to use and adapt those boxes in their own context. The outcomes are relevant to social prescribers, third sector organisations and social enterprises supporting older people and their carers, and practitioners working with vulnerable people in diverse communities. As an example, up to this point a number of public organisations, local communities and private businesses have used and appropriate the approach (interactive box): This includes a GP practice in London, a Coffee shop, a public library and Church in Bristol. Following the completion of the funded period, the following organisations have also used but also further develop the Wise Connections approach to facilitate creative conversations: Neighbours Connect Southmead,Mendip Vale Medical Group, Bridges for Communities, University of West England, Architecture MArch program |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Healthcare |
| URL | https://wiseconnect.weebly.com/ |
| Description | The project has created a service to help people as they grow older to "think outside the box" and discover how they can mobilise and connect their interests and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. Several 'boxes' were created and tested in different settings, at homes, GP practices, libraries, coffee shops and other community places. The box has been adapted for different contexts. For instance, it has been passed between people, helping them share their 'hopes' and 'skills' and connect to local opportunities and services. It has also served as a way to collect and create community stories building social capital, sense of belonging and supporting cultural exchange. In some cases, its function has changed during the process. However, in all cases, the goal remained the same: to create opportunities for people to express their emotions and aspirations and grow their capacity to participate in social, cultural and economic life. During the initial funded period of the project, the box and approach were used in diverse settings, including as a "pass the parcel" box to help senior people at their homes make connections and engage with their locality. Other boxes were placed in different community spaces in London and Bristol: - St. Johns Way Medical Centre in Archway, London Used in the GP practice's reception area between Dec 2022- Mar 2023. We estimate around 20 people actively used the box. - Aladdin's cafe in Archway, London Used between Dec 2022- Mar 2023. We estimate around 4 people used the box in this period. - Meadows to Meaders community group in Southmead Bristol The box and approach were used by the local community group, involving 15 people between Dec 2022 - Mar 2023. They predominantly used the box to share and create stories for Southmead. The community group championed the use of the box in new locations, leading to the creation of four more boxes. Unfortunately, data from these additional locations have been more difficult to obtain: --Greenway Centre: The box was managed by a member of the Meadows and Meaders community group at the centre. --St Stephen's Church:. The box was managed by members of the congregation, as well as members of the Meadows to Meaders community group. --Woodnook Residential Home: This is a sheltered accommodation for older people and home to some members of the Meadows to Meaders community group. A member of the group took responsibility for the box, providing coffee mornings at Woodnook for residents and the surrounding area - up to 45 people at a time. --Southmead Library: The Meadows to Meaders community group placed a box in the library for users of different ages to interact. The final phase of the Wise Connections project focussed on developing boxes that could be used to catalyse conversation between befrienders, social prescribers, volunteers, facilitators, carers and older adults facing social isolation. Project partners Alive and Local Learning, used the proposed approach in connection to social prescribing services. This included: - Neighbours Connect Southmead, a service which matches volunteers with isolated members of the community to reduce demand on the care system by taking a broad approach to social prescribing, extending beyond GP referrals. - Mendip Vale Medical Group, a GP-based practice taking a holistic approach to physical and mental health. Bridges for Communities, an organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers., focusing on connecting people from different cultures and faiths and supporting inclusive living. A group of Masters Architecture Students from the University of the West of England also supported this work helping challenge conventional methods of communication to allow for meaningful interaction beyond cultural barriers. The students created a box containing a variety of materials to support different ways of interaction which was handed over to Alive together with a manual for use in subsequent projects. Overall the project enhanced the work of 12 organisations or community groups who offer support for older people and their carers particularly those from disadvantaged communities, including immigrants. It helped them reflect on their practice and connect with one another to deliver further activities.Two organisations continued to use the approach after the end of the project. Overall, approximately 150 individuals engaged with and benefited from project activities including older people, carers, volunteers, therapists and facilitators. Individuals reported multiple benefits from participation and engagement with the creation and exploration of the box. Most of these benefits seem to stem from the opportunity the box offers to reveal new or deeper connections and insights into a situation. For example, in the activity led in collaboration with Neighbours Connect Southmead during a lunch club meeting at Greenway Centre, participants reported that the interaction facilitated through the box provided "an opportunity to connect at a deeper level," allowing them to unearth and discuss memories, cultural experiences, and develop their sense of belonging, identity, and confidence. The managing director of Bridges for Communities stated, "There is scope to work at a deeper level and enhance the effectiveness of these events in terms of developing understanding of each other." Participants also mentioned, "Objects [the box and its content] can initiate a conversation between participants who share a joint connection with the object. They can help us reveal a lot more about ourselves." Another participant said: "It's about finding that spark'". Similar insights from the work with Mendip Vale Medical Group's Social Prescribing Service, which focuses on building mental health resilience. Participants said that the box and activities offered helped "create a lovely space to talk and made everyone feel confident to have an open and honest conversation" and "encourage group members to interact and listen to others." Across the cases, the box triggered curiosity and stimulated spontaneous conversation without the need for any prompting from the facilitator. This was particularly important for creating opportunities for people who found it more difficult to engage in conversations with others. It also provided opportunities for new connections to emerge and allowed individual participants to share their personal responses, expressing their unique life experiences, values, attitudes, and beliefs. Overall, the activities across the different locations appear to have played a positive role in increasing social connections and reducing isolation. We are working to collect data on further socio-economic impacts that stem from these outcomes. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Healthcare,Other |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Policy & public services |
| Description | Wise Connections new emerging partners |
| Organisation | University of the West of England |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Overall coordination of shared activities. The Open University brings an extensive research track record in the area of citizen-led design and the management of large collaborative projects that involve citizens, community groups and public, private and third sector organisations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | All partners dedicated time and provided resources (e.g. spaces, workshop materials and connections) to advance the overall mission of the partnership which is: to help social prescribers, befrienders, carers and older adults to explore, discuss and communicate what they really value to do or be. Each partner brought a different area of focus and helped convene activities with their communities to help develop a prototype to encapsulate the Wise Connections approach. 'Neighbours Connect Southmead' focussed on social prescribing in its broadest sense, adopting a version that goes beyond the medical model requiring GP referrals. The 'Mendip Vale Medical Group' emphasised wider issues such as social, and economic factors in our physical and mental health. 'Bridges for Communities' focussed on connecting people of different cultures and faiths, enabling them to build friendships, grow in their understanding of one another and live well together. The partnership also involved students from the UWE MArch. The students participated in workshops and helped with the development of a box/toolkit that can be used as a prompt to activate creative conversations. |
| Impact | The key outputs/outcomes: A) A shared document on insights and learning about an interactive approach for fostering creative conversations between social prescribers, befrienders, carers and older adults. B) A box/toolkit that can be used to foster creative conversations |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Wise ConnectionsPartnership |
| Organisation | Age UK |
| Department | Age UK Oxfordshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The Open University brings an extensive research track record in the area of citizen-led design and the management of large collaborative projects that involve citizens, community groups and public, private and third sector organisations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Local Learning is a non-profit organisation with expertise on creating engaging and inclusive places through street theatre, storytelling, art, film, radio, archaeology and digital technologies. They bring expertise on creative engagement and a network of organisations and places working with older people. AgeUK Oxfordshire and the Age of Creativity network focus on creative & cultural activities to support better health and wellbeing of older people bringing this expertise and access to the Age-Friendly communities. Alive is a charity dedicated to the quality of life of older people and their carers and offer strategic guidance and connections. |
| Impact | The creation of an interactive approach to help people as they grow older but also communities and organisations to "think outside the box" with the objective discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. The approach is using a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Wise ConnectionsPartnership |
| Organisation | Alive Activities |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The Open University brings an extensive research track record in the area of citizen-led design and the management of large collaborative projects that involve citizens, community groups and public, private and third sector organisations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Local Learning is a non-profit organisation with expertise on creating engaging and inclusive places through street theatre, storytelling, art, film, radio, archaeology and digital technologies. They bring expertise on creative engagement and a network of organisations and places working with older people. AgeUK Oxfordshire and the Age of Creativity network focus on creative & cultural activities to support better health and wellbeing of older people bringing this expertise and access to the Age-Friendly communities. Alive is a charity dedicated to the quality of life of older people and their carers and offer strategic guidance and connections. |
| Impact | The creation of an interactive approach to help people as they grow older but also communities and organisations to "think outside the box" with the objective discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. The approach is using a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Wise ConnectionsPartnership |
| Organisation | Myers-Insole Local Learning |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The Open University brings an extensive research track record in the area of citizen-led design and the management of large collaborative projects that involve citizens, community groups and public, private and third sector organisations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Local Learning is a non-profit organisation with expertise on creating engaging and inclusive places through street theatre, storytelling, art, film, radio, archaeology and digital technologies. They bring expertise on creative engagement and a network of organisations and places working with older people. AgeUK Oxfordshire and the Age of Creativity network focus on creative & cultural activities to support better health and wellbeing of older people bringing this expertise and access to the Age-Friendly communities. Alive is a charity dedicated to the quality of life of older people and their carers and offer strategic guidance and connections. |
| Impact | The creation of an interactive approach to help people as they grow older but also communities and organisations to "think outside the box" with the objective discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. The approach is using a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Wise ConnectionsPartnership |
| Organisation | Open University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Open University brings an extensive research track record in the area of citizen-led design and the management of large collaborative projects that involve citizens, community groups and public, private and third sector organisations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Local Learning is a non-profit organisation with expertise on creating engaging and inclusive places through street theatre, storytelling, art, film, radio, archaeology and digital technologies. They bring expertise on creative engagement and a network of organisations and places working with older people. AgeUK Oxfordshire and the Age of Creativity network focus on creative & cultural activities to support better health and wellbeing of older people bringing this expertise and access to the Age-Friendly communities. Alive is a charity dedicated to the quality of life of older people and their carers and offer strategic guidance and connections. |
| Impact | The creation of an interactive approach to help people as they grow older but also communities and organisations to "think outside the box" with the objective discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. The approach is using a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | 'Celebrating Innovation in Healthy Ageing' event organised by ZINC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The event invited Zinc x UKRI Catalyst Award holders to deliver live pitches and showcase their projects to funders, investors, charities, businesses, and academic researchers. It was organized as a series of pitches, accompanied by networking opportunities, to facilitate the transition of research from 'the lab to the market,' thereby driving innovation in healthy aging. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-innovation-in-healthy-ageing-tickets-529144123317?utm_campa... |
| Description | Dare to hope Box |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The project has created an interactive approach to help people as they grow older but also communities and organisations to "think outside the box" with the objective discover how they can mobilise and connect their interest and skills to do something that is of value for them and others. The approach is using a 'box' that is distributed at homes, GP practices, Libraries, Coffees shops to encourage the self-driven discovery, development & realisation of initiatives between people and organisations. The box has taken several different realisations (as a community game, as a door to door 'passing the parcel initiative' or as a static box in various venues). The current study show that these boxes has been adopted and appropriated by various settings (GP practice, Community Libraries, Local Community Project initiatives) demonstrating the potential impact of the approach. At the moment, it is estimated that more that 100 people interacted with the box. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://wiseconnect.weebly.com/ |
| Description | Prototyping a box that fosters 'outside the box' conversations about ageing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | With this entry, we cover a series of 8 events organised towards a shared overarching purpose: to design and prototype an interactive box that serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. These conversations aimed to assist social prescribers, befrienders, caregivers, and older adults in exploring what they truly value to be able to do or be, whether related to social and economic well-being, mental health, or caregiving responsibilities. The events built on the key 'box concept' and approach of 'thinking outside the box' developed in the first phase of the Wise Connection project and it extended beyond the completion of the funded period. The work was coordinated by Alive and in addition to Local Learning, it involved three new partners: Bridges for Communities, Mendip Vale Medical Practice (MVMG) and Neighbours Connect Southmead. It included the following events: 1. Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator from Bridges for Communities 2. Meeting with Senior Social Prescribers from Mendip Vale Medical Practice (MVMG) 3. Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator from Neighbours Connect Southmead 4. Focus Group with Befrienders from 'Bridges for Communities' 5. Focus Group with MVMG Social Prescribing Team 6. Peace Feast, Easton Family Practice Centre 7. Focus Group with 'Men's Group' from MVMG 8. 'Lunch Club' Box activity with Neighbours Connect Southmead. Approximately 80 people were engaged in the activities. For carers, befrienders and service users, the activities helped make connections, open up and share feelings and thoughts, and feel part of a community. For practitioners in the organisations involved, the activity helped developed facilitation skills, enhance their practice and generate ideas for further activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| URL | https://wiseconnect.weebly.com/ |