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CALL - ME Community Action in Later Life – Manchester Engagement
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“Promoting independence and social engagement among
older people in disadvantaged communities”
ANNUAL REPORT
October 2009
Report prepared by Friederike Ziegler and Michael Murray
Part of the New Dynamics of Ageing Research programme
(Grant Reference RES-352-25-0031)
Principal Investigator
Professor Michael Murray
Research Institute for Life Course Studies
Claus Moser Research Centre
Keele University
Keele
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG
Tel. 01782 734596
2
Contents
Page
I. Introduction ……………………………………….. 3
II. The team……………………………………………. 3
III. Neighbourhood reports
Ardwick………………………………… 4
Cheetham……………………………….. 10
Moss Side…………………………......... 15
Newton Heath………………………….. 19
IV. The NDA project chart……………………………. 24
V. Evaluation and future plans……………………… 25
VI. A summary and preliminary analysis of issues
a) Participants…………………………………….. 25
b) Researchers…………………………………….. 25
VII. Identifying Funding and Support……………….. 26
VIII. Evaluation of group progress……………………. 27
IX. Evaluation of the project impact on
a) The community…………………………………. 28
b) The individuals…………………………………. 29
X. How successful is the activity at engaging isolated
older people? ……………………………………… 30
XI. Strategies for broadening participation…............. 32
XII. Developing policy recommendations…………….. 33
XIII. Research related activities……………………….. 34
XIV. Appendix 1: Interim Report (February 09)
XV. Appendix 2: Interim Report (June 09)
XVI. Appendix 3: Sample of work (Ardwick)
3
I. Introduction
This 3 year collaborative and participatory research project aims:
To describe the processes involved in developing local community-based
strategies for promoting enhanced social interaction among older residents
of four disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Manchester.
To evaluate the impact of these activities on improving opportunities for
older people.
To develop policy and practice guidelines and procedures for entrenching
and broadening these activities.
II. The Team
Although the research team operates as a single unit, in practice researchers work
largely in one of the four neighbourhoods:
Ardwick: Michael Murray and Amanda Crummett
Cheetham: Sian Maslin-Prothero and Jan Bailey
Moss Side: Thomas Scharf and Sharon Middling
Newton Heath: Roger Beech and Friederike Ziegler
Tracey Harrison, the project administrator, left the project at the end of September.
She will be replaced by a new administrator in mid-October.
III. Neighbourhood reports
Interim reports on the work of the project team were prepared and distributed in
February and July. These are included in the Appendix. This report summarises the
project and research activities in the four neighbourhoods over the last 12 months. For
more detailed accounts of the work please refer to the appendix.
4
Ardwick
Activity Participants Data Collection and Analysis;
Emergent Research Themes
Project 1
Young at Heart Arts group
This group was established in West
Gorton community rooms in late 2008.
This group has now been meeting
weekly with a few breaks for almost
twelve months.
Funding was obtained from the Granada
Foundation through the Library Theatre
Company to fund an arts worker. This
person has led the group through three 3
month projects.
The first project was a taster session to
introduce residents to different art
forms. This concluded with an
exhibition of the participants‟ art work.
The second project was a community
map which was publicly displayed in the
community rooms.
Male/ female
Age 49 – 84 yrs
6-15 members
Ethnicity: White
British
Black British
Focus Group discussions at
different stages of the project have
provided an opportunity for
participants to discuss their social
experiences, expectations of the
group and reflections on the
activities.
Weekly club meetings to plan and
agree actions to be taken,
investigate and identify sources of
funding and apply for grants.
Ongoing conversations.
Minutes
Field notes
Questionnaire
Photographs
Artworks
Lack of confidence/ Growing
confidence
Apprehensive about outsiders
Pride in achievements
Growing trust and support for
5
The third project was a 10x10 challenge
to produce miniature art works. This
challenge was opened out to the
community and the local school and
attracted over 10 mini-art works. These
are in display in the rooms. Examples
are given in the Appendix. Further
details are available on the website
http://westgorton10x10.wordpress.com/
The group continued to meet in the
months between the particular projects.
They have organised several open days
which have attracted other local
residents.
The group has also organised and
participated in several activities outside
the community including, most recently,
a bus run to Blackpool.
The group have met with officials of
various agencies and formally
established themselves with a bank
account. They have successfully
applied for grants.
each other
Interest in other arts activities
Interest in developing other
activities
Leadership skills
Some local conflict
Anxiety about future development
of project
6
Project 2
Computer Club
This is a parallel project with the Arts
group. It runs in the same community
centre and attracts from the same
community.
A volunteer teacher coordinates the
group.
The group has run for about nine
months. They have obtained funding
for computers and printers.
Some members or family members are
shared between Projects 1 and 2.
Plans are in place to develop a joint
project – community calendar and a
shared Christmas activity.
Male/female
8-14 numbers vary.
White British
Field notes
Conversations with group
members
Formal discussion with group
leader
Frustration at lack of resources
Lack of / growing confidence in
skills
Heightened awareness of need for
resources
Pride in obtaining equipment
Leadership issues
Concern about future prospects
7
Project 3
Plymouth Grove Arts Group
This project is still in the planning stage.
It builds upon a group of older people
who meet regularly in another
community centre in Ardwick.
After a facilitated discussion between
this group and a community arts worker
it was agreed to apply for funding to
develop an arts project.
An application has been submitted.
This has been subject to several reviews.
We are still awaiting a decision on
funding.
Female
15
White British
Afro-Caribbean
Field notes
Conversations with group
members
Formal discussion with group
leader
Enthusiasm to participate
Frustration at delay in obtaining
funding
8
Agency/Organisation
Manchester Library – this is the key
partner
Healthy Ardwick
Representatives of
statutory agencies both
local and national and
voluntary organisations
Other Individual
and Community
Contacts
Community arts workers
Regeneration workers
Local councillors
Community police
8
Individual discussions
Lots of different agencies but
limited collaboration
Growing recognition of projects
Various community leaders.
Various local residents
10-20
Individual and group discussions
9
Already committed to other
activities
Interest and surprise at
developments
Limited time for hands on work
10
Cheetham
Activity Participants Data Collection and Analysis;
Emergent Research Themes
Future Plans and
Challenges
Project 1
Gardening Club set up with
residents of a sheltered housing
scheme. The club holds regular
meetings which have moved from
weekly, through fortnightly to
monthly as the project has
progressed and participants‟
confidence and group cohesion
improved.
The group have successfully
applied for grants and have
undertaken a great deal of planting
and improvement of the
communal garden.
Male/ female
Age 49 – 92
yrs
6-10 members
Ethnicity:
White British
White Irish
Initial Focus Group discussion
which explored residents‟
existing activities and social
engagement and other
activities they would like to
undertake.
Weekly club meetings to plan
and agree actions to be taken,
investigate and identify
sources of funding and apply
for grants.
Follow up focus group to
explore how participants felt
about the club, what had gone
well and what were the
challenges they met.
Tape recordings and
transcriptions.
Minutes
Field notes
QOL questionnaire
Photographs
Poster
The club has been running for
six months and is moving
forward quickly. We have
reduced our involvement to
encourage sustainability and the
group now hold their own
meetings and plan activities etc
without input from us. They are
also producing garden art in the
craft sessions which are held by
Ageing Well at the scheme and
are currently working on a large
mosaic for a wall in the garden.
They have plans for the future
which include:
Growing more fruit
and vegetables.
Growing plants from
seed rather than
buying them.
Visiting gardens and
flower shows.
11
Gatekeeping
Power relationships
Negotiating skills
Team working skills
Using the Internet to
order goods,
communicate with
other gardening clubs
and set up their own
Facebook page.
The group has produced a poster
for display at the Full of Life
Festival in October and
members will attend the Big
event to talk about their
experience.
Project 2
IT and Internet
This project is currently under
development and the early
indications are that it has the
potential to function across three
sheltered housing schemes.
During a focus group discussion at
one scheme residents spoke about
how they had used the Internet in
the past and how useful it could be
in many areas. It emerged that
several residents would like to be
able to keep in touch with friends
Male/female
8 people have
expressed a
desire to
participate to
date.
White British
Initial focus groups
Field notes
Another focus group
meeting is planned to
discuss how to take the
project forward.
Recruitment of members
Addressing negativity of
some residents which
may discourage others
from participating.
Inclusion.
Gatekeeping
Power relationships
Confidence
12
and relatives via email.
During another group discussion
at another scheme residents there
expressed an interest in learning
how to use computers and the
internet. This particular scheme
has £5,000 available to fund an IT
project and room to house
equipment.
Project 3 Gardening.
This project emerged from a focus
group discussion with men who
attend a local community centre.
Several had previously owned
allotments or had gardened at
home but felt it was too much for
one person to do alone. They
produced the idea of improving
the area around the community
centre and growing plants, fruit
and vegetables.
Although they are very busy, the
community centre management
have said they would like to be
involved and have suggested that
through their work with younger
people attending the centre an
Male
Afro-Caribbean
2 Focus groups
Field notes
Engaging the active ongoing
support of the centre
management.
13
inter-generational project could be
developed.
The first planning meeting took
place 16.9.09
Agency/Organi
sation
DWP
VOP
ZEST
The Big Life Company
Faith Festival Committee
Monthly meetings
Representatives
of statutory
agencies both
local and national
and voluntary
organisations
Meeting Minutes
Focus group discussion
Field notes
Become involved in the
Cheetham VOP Network and
the Crumpsall Over 50s
Forum. These will be
different models of
engagement with the first
consisting of service
providers and the second of
local residents. This will
provide an excellent
opportunity to compare and
contrast the models and their
success in meeting their
aims.
Other
Individual
and
Community
Contacts
2 x focus group
discussions at a local
mosque with members of a
men‟s luncheon group.
Male
Pakistani
50+
Tape recordings
Waiting to hear back from
the co-ordinator regarding
further involvement in
research. Cultural requirements were
paramount.
14
9 interviews with members
of the NEESA women‟s
group.
Women
Pakistani
Tape recording.
Fear of crime
1 interview with resident
with mobility issues.
Female
60+
White British
Interview transcripts
To involve this individual in
the Over 50s forum.
How IT can enable people to
overcome mobility difficulties
e.g. internet shopping and
help them keep in touch with
family and friends. However,
that confidence using
computers is crucial.
Scheme Managers of local
sheltered housing schemes
4
Female
White British
Meetings and conversations.
Continue to involve
managers but encourage
them to step back more
to enable participants to
develop and run
activities.
Managers’ attitudes and
approach are very influential
regarding what activities
residents will
undertake/believe themselves
able to undertake.
15
Moss Side
Activity Participants Data Collection and Analysis;
Emergent Research Themes
Future Plans and
Challenges
Project 1 – Moss
Side Garden
Project
Intergenerational
environmental
improvement
Monthly meetings at
present
Group has a Change
Grant
Older People
Male/ female
Age: 60 plus
10 active members
Other people are
involved on ad hoc
basis
White
British/Somali/Afro
-Caribbean
Younger People
Male/female
Age: 15-18
5 members
Afro-Caribbean
Community
stakeholders
Statutory sector
agencies (e.g.
Neighbourhood
coordination)
Third sector
Initial Focus Group
discussion
3 research diaries
8 brief questionnaires
Field notes
Photography
Group meeting minutes
and correspondence
To join younger
people‟s group
with the older
people‟s group in
September 2009
Start garden design
with Hulme
Garden Centre
Set dates for
garden training
sessions with
Hulme Garden
Centre
To facilitate
meetings between
the younger and
older people
To facilitate a
meeting between
local Council
professionals and
the group
To collect further
data in the form of
questionnaires and
Difficulties in working
between generations and
different groups
Positive commitment by
the older people to involve
the young people
Enthusiasm for the garden
project and improving the
image of Moss Side
Older people’s
reservations about
physical aspects of
gardening
The pool of skills within
the group
The common ground
16
bodies (e.g.
Hulme Garden
Centre)
between the group
Different agendas of the
various groups involved
individual
interviews
Project 2 – Somali
Women’s Groups
Social gathering
Weekly meetings
All female group
Age: 60 plus
Minimum 20
members
Somali
Initial focus group
Field notes
Meeting arranged
with Janet
Bainbridge on the
23/9/2009
To work with the
group on the
activities they want
for the group
To start data
collection with the
group
Liaising through an
intermediary
Building up trust
Potential language
difficulties
Motivated to get the group
up and running
Lack of knowledge of the
processes involved in
starting their group
17
Project 3 – Somali
Golden Centre Welfare training
Weekly meetings
Male/female
Age: 55-75
8-12
Somali
Two initial meetings
Particular need for welfare
advice
Arranging a focus
group September
2009
Develop links with
professionals who
will provide
training sessions
for participants
Look for potential
funding
Agency/Organisation
VOP
The first monthly
meeting
Bi-monthly Local
Newsletter
1 x article for VOP
newsletter to be
circulated on 25th
September for the garden
project
Possible use of the NDA
research for supporting
the VOP network.
Representatives of
local statutory agencies
and voluntary
organisations
Meeting Minutes
Field notes
Continue to
develop and work
with local agencies
Passing on
information about
the VOP network
with local contacts
and with the
community garden
group
People pulling together to
start the network
Other Individual
and Community
Contacts
Hibiscus Court –
residents group
One woman was
interested in taking
part in an activity
Kept in touch with house
manager
Field notes
Aim: to link the
woman in with
another group or
18
One man was keen
to spend time on a
community garden
activity in Moss
Side
To encourage the
man to join the
garden group once
the young people
have joined in
Ethical Heritage group
Potential group for
older Afro-
Caribbean people
Meeting with the
two individual who
run the group
Keeping in touch via email
and meeting
Field notes
To develop links
with the group
To work with the
group in the future
around activities
To help and
support the set up
of the group
alongside other
professionals
MSSCC
Men
30 plus
9 plus members
Somali
Women
60 plus
7 members
Somali
Focus groups
Working with the
Somali women but
no plans as yet to
work with the
Somali men The difference in
expectations between the
men and women
19
Newton Heath
Activity Participants Data Collection and Analysis;
Emergent Research Themes
Future Plans and
Challenges
Project 1
Reminiscence/ story
telling
Fortnightly meetings
DISCONTINUED
Male/ female
Age 50 – 87
yrs
4-8 members
Ethnicity:
White British
Initial Focus Group
discussion
3 Story telling meetings
1 planning meeting with
community support worker
and local history worker
Field notes
This group discontinued
because of:
Gate-keeping issues
Lack of participants‟
motivations and
commitment
Lack of access to
independent
meeting space Influence of gate-keepers
Accessible and open meeting
space
Skills and capabilities of
individual members
Development of group
capabilities and goals has to
be at a comfortable pace for
individuals
20
Project 2
Weekly chair based
exercise class for over 60s
Trained instructor
Funded through VOP and
Manchester Health
Development Agency
until December „09 with
possible extension to
March „10
Group has a bank account
Adverts for class in VOP
newsletter and local
Advertiser
Open event funded
through VOP (Sept 09)
Currently 10
members
Weekly
attendance is
around 6
All female
group
Ethnicity:
White British
Age 70 – 85
yrs
Initial focus group with
diagramming
1 FG discussion on
neighbourhoods
1 PAR group discussion with
reflection; suggestions for
change, and planning
Questionnaire (in progress)
Weekly attendance lists
Field notes
Recruitment of new
members
Retaining old
members
Developing capacity
of group members to
take on
responsibilities
Production of a
demonstration or
promotion DVD
Future funding
Developing group
processes and
decision-making
Further planning
meeting (December
09)
Development of group
identity
Encourage individuals to
take responsibility
Importance of social aspects
& fun
Place and time has to be
‘convenient’
Building relationships and
confidence
Individual motivation and
enthusiasm
Agency/Organisation
VOP
Monthly meetings
Bi-monthly Local
Newsletter
Representatives
of local statutory
agencies and
voluntary
organisations
Meeting Minutes
Field notes
Continue to develop
the relationship with
local agencies
Encourage agency‟s
21
Questionnaire: discussion
of use of research tool for
wider use by VOP in NH
2 x articles for VOP
newsletter
Presentation to VOP
meeting on PAR
Potential for conflict and
competition
May be difficult to identify
agendas and activities that
are seen as being of mutual
benefit
interest in NDA
research to develop
supporting role for
exercise group
Information transfer
between VOP and
exercise group on
local events and
opportunities
Other Individual
and Community
Contacts
One visually impaired
lady (interviewee)
This lady is isolated
and suffering from
mild depression and
anxiety, but would
benefit from
socialising
Regular telephone
conversations and occasional
visits
Aim: to draw her in
one of the activities
which are happening
in Newton Heath
The challenge is to
overcome her
reluctance and
anxiety, and to find a
suitable activity
The reasons for people’s
social isolation are often
complex and need much time
and effort to address
5 interviews with
housebound individuals
2 men and 3
women aged
58 – 78 years
Interview transcripts
Analysis: only one individual
was potentially interested in
participating in social
activities.
Challenge to develop
activity which is
suitable for visually
impaired
Reasons for social isolation
(often found in combination):
Sensory impairment
Physical disability
Encountered prejudice or
22
stereotyping
Lack of understanding of
needs by service providers
Loss of independence &
confidence
Friend’s or partner’s death
Financial restrictions
Lack of suitable activity
Lack of accessibility &
transport
Lack of social & family
support network
1 interview with a socially
active couple
Husband and
wife (early
sixties)
Interview transcripts
Very physically and socially
active couple
No plans at present
Those who are socially active
are often involved in many
different activities; and have
necessary social support
systems
Tenants‟ Association (C-
Star)
Three representatives Informal meetings and
conversations
Field notes
Potential for
developing activity
in the area for older
people related to
opening of
community centre
(see below)
How ‘inclusive’ are local
representatives of all sections
of their communities?
Representatives may act as
23
gate-keepers for local
residents which may make it
difficult for researchers to
contact all relevant potential
participants
Stirling Centre: develop
activity with local
residents
Tenants‟
association
VOP network
residents
field notes
minutes from meeting
see above
Appropriate community
facilities are vital to enable
social interaction
Duncan Edwards Court
(Sheltered Housing
development)
Warden Telephone conversation
meeting
potential for
developing activity
with residents
24
IV. NDA Project Chart
Buy SmartDraw!- purchased copies print this
document without a watermark.
Visit www.smartdraw.com or call 1-800-768-3729.
25
V. Evaluation and Future Plans
The following section discusses in more detail the research areas and project activities
which are particularly relevant over the next six months. These relate to the following
tasks in the above project chart: tasks number 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 24. The issues
raised and discussed are not final results, but should be considered „work-in-progress‟.
VI. Issues identified across the four neighbourhoods (Tasks 8 &9)
a) by older people/ participants
Neighbourhoods and community relations
fear of crime
People generally like their neighbourhoods
„territoriality‟ and spatial divisions
Family is important for social support
Socialising/ community involvement
Finding an appropriate activity which attracts sufficient interest
Welcoming and accessible public meeting spaces
Convenient place and time of activity
Individual motivation and enthusiasm to participate
Commitment to group
Develop new skills or capabilities
Need for facilitator to set up activities and bring people together
Facilitator needed to create opportunities and implement them
b) by researchers
Neighbourhoods and community relations
Gate keeping
Local representatives may only represent a small number of residents
Power relationships between groups and individuals
Cultural requirements of ethnic minorities
Potential conflict or competition with existing agencies
26
Funding for community activities is often piecemeal and short-term
Socialising/ community involvement/ group development
Negotiating skills
Team working skills, responsibility & group identity
Confidence, sense of achievement
Develop skills and capabilities of individual members
Participants enjoy their activities (fun)
Develop group at a comfortable pace
IT can enable access and social relationships
Housing managers‟ attitudes are influential in enabling or disabling residents
to engage in group activities
Ensuring that support structures for groups are in place as NDA team leaves
the areas
Researcher needs to facilitate wider contacts within and across communities
(building trust)
VII. Sources of funding and support (Task 13)
a) Funding
Valuing Older People, Manchester City Council
Change Grant, Manchester City Council
Regeneration Team, New East Manchester,
Library Theatre, Manchester City Council
Public Health Development Service, Manchester
Northwards Housing Association
b) Support
Northwards Housing Association
Novas Scarman Trust Manchester
Zest
VOP Newton Heath
Healthy Ardwick
27
Ward Co-ordinators
Councillors
Volunteer
VIII. Evaluation of group progress (not necessarily in this order) (Task 15)
Group progress
Ardwick
Project
1 2 3
Cheetham
Project
1 2 3
Moss Side
Project
1 2 3
Newton
Heath
Project
1 2 Individuals come to
meetings regularly,
creating a „core-group‟
Individuals express
positive attitudes towards
activity or group
Individuals interact with
each other directly
Individuals begin to take
on responsibility within or
for the group
---
The group creates a
common identity or goals
The group engages in
formalising activities (e.g.
opening a bank account;
writing a constitution;
membership lists)
Group engages with
outside agencies
(applying for funding or
support)
Group is able to
administer itself
independently of
facilitator
28
IX. Evaluation of impact of the project (Task 16)
a) the community or neighbourhood
Ardwick
Substantial and growing awareness of the arts and computer projects in the West
Gorton community. This has been enhanced by the various open days to which
people have been invited and the trips outside the community. Participants in the arts
group talk about improved sense of community. Development of links with other
groups and agencies, in particular the Healthy Ardwick coordinating group and the
local school, are slowly developing. This raises new challenges. Local community
arts worker from a neighbouring community has become aware of the projects and is
keen to play a role in future development.
Cheetham
environmental improvement through gardening
improved communication between managers and residents
improved group cohesion
develop projects across different sheltered housing schemes
involvement in VOP Cheetham
involvement in Faith Festival
Moss Side
Garden project: Too soon to evaluate impact. However, the nature of the project has
succeeded in bringing together a range of individuals from diverse
backgrounds. Environmental improvement appears to be a good way of
mobilising groups to cooperate who might otherwise not engage with one
another (e.g. different faith and ethnic groups). The project also acts as a focus for
community stakeholders to get involved (including local councillors, statutory bodies,
voluntary sector) since there are concrete tasks to be done.
Newton Heath
The impact on the community cannot be assessed at this point. There are several
reasons for this: In spite of some attempts at publicising the class there seems to be
little awareness of its existence. This may be partly due to the “inaccessibility” of the
29
building in which the class takes place: the building is run by a „Catholic Men‟s
Club‟, and has very high security. The club has a very insular feel about it, both the
building and manager are not very open to non-members. There is no space for
advertising the class outside the building.
b) individuals
Ardwick
Focus group discussions with arts group participants identified a range of benefits of
participating in the group including:
Increased confidence in themselves in general and more specifically in their
arts ability and in their ability to talk with others.
Increased sense of friendship with group members
Enjoyment in the arts activities
Pleasure in developing new skills
Relaxation
Cheetham
increased confidence for planning and carrying out activities
increased responsibility
learned team-working and group negotiating skills
develop gardening and creative skills
develop IT skills
organise trips and visits to gardens and flower shows
produced project poster
attend meeting in town hall
Newton Heath
The weekly exercise has had a positive impact on all participants. Many carry out the
exercises at home and report benefits, such as improved sleep; fewer cramps; more
mobile joints; less swelling in the legs and feet. Participants report other benefits of
attending the class such as „having a laugh‟, enjoyment, making new friends,
increasing confidence in managing and planning activities for the group. Participants
have also become more aware of other activities which are going on in the area or in
30
Manchester as I have been taking information leaflets and newsletters to the class, and
participants have discussed which other activities they are attending. These informal
discussions are important for older people in accessing and exchanging information
regarding available facilities or services or other opportunities for socialising.
X. Success in engaging isolated older people (Task 17)
Ardwick
Gradually identifying the more isolated residents of West Gorton and clarifying
obstacles to their participation. Some of the identified challenges that prevent older
residents from engaging with the project include ill-health, caring responsibilities,
other commitments, lack of perceived skills/abilities, low levels of literacy, low self
confidence, feelings of not belonging with the community rooms. These challenges
are discussed with the arts group members and strategies for overcoming them are
being explored.
Cheetham
George Halstead Court: In spite of living in a sheltered housing scheme, with a
communal lounge and garden, a number of residents are isolated. This can be through
choice ie they don‟t want to engage with other residents or activities, or because they
are excluded and appear on the margins of activities. The development of the „Four
season‟s garden group‟ has impacted on this. One influential variable is the way that
the club is run; there is a core group of people who attend every meeting; other
residents drop in and participate when they wish – there is no pressure for people to
attend every meeting or gardening session. This is important because it allows people
to choose whether they participate or not.
In addition, people who belong to the „Arts and crafts‟ group also contribute to the
garden through a variety of activities, including the mosaic for the garden, and other
decorations. There are three hard to reach people (registered blind, mental health,
black and minority ethnic) who engage on an ad hoc basis. At a recent focus group
members spoke about how the club has led to increased socialisation between
residents and the forging of new relationships. For example, one member of the club
who was previously on the periphery of other activities is an active member of the
group and now engages in other activities.
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Moss Side
Garden project: It's still unclear how isolated the participants are. Many have health
problems, some have mobility problems. But we don't yet know enough about
participants' social relationships to be able to identify their degree of isolation. The
intention has always been to begin with a core group and extend this to others in the
local community who might be more isolated. The group has succeeded in bringing
together people who had lost contact with one another over time, despite living in
relatively close proximity.
The other projects are too early to evaluate too. However, isolation does
feature as a key issue for the Somali groups and is a strong motivation
for setting up activities (especially in relation to the women from this
community.
Newton Heath
Exercise Class: All members of the exercise group also attend the over-60s social club
on the same afternoon. For some this is the only regular social outing in a week,
others are very busy with various activities on other days (e.g. history society; other
exercise classes). All members are female. Some of the men I spoke to felt that this
type of activity was a „ladies‟ thing. The chair based exercises are attractive for
individuals who want to remain active and fit, but have some frailty or disability (such
as arthritis, heart disease or breathing problems). Although the exercises are very
gentle they do assume a certain degree of physical and sensory capability. One early
participant in the group withdrew, possibly because she was visually impaired and
found it hard to follow the exercises. Another lady was asked by the instructor to stop
doing the exercises because this lady came close to fainting several times during the
class. One recent recruit is a lady with hearing problems. She seems to cope well by
visually following the instructor‟s demonstrations
Conclusion: Although one might assume that gentle chair-based exercises are an
accessible and suitable activity for engaging many potentially isolated older people,
this is obviously not the case. Motivation plays a large part in bringing individuals to
the class and maintaining interest, but certain physical and sensory capabilities are a
prerequisite for attending this type of activity
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XI. Strategies for broadening participation (Task 19)
Ardwick
Several open days have been organised by the arts group in West Gorton. The
community rooms where events are organised adopts an open house policy with
displays and posters in the window. Residents visiting the shop next door are
encouraged to drop in for a cup of tea. We are exploring alternative venues for arts
activities. We continue to develop other more open activities such as visits outside
the community.
Cheetham
George Halstaed: We continue to invite all the residents, and a number of strategies
have used to increase involvement; this includes written invitations to all the residents
(in the main building and to those who live in the grounds), as well as targeting
individuals. This had limited success; there are no new members, but two experienced
gardeners offer advice and information to the group. A more successful strategy has
been approaching new residents when they move into the scheme; this has resulted in
two new members. It is not known whether these residents would have participated in
the gardening or other activities anyway.
Northwards Housing Association (who is responsible for George Halstead Court) had
a validation visit in September 2009 from the Supporting People Team. George
Halstead was chosen because of the above initiatives, and to illustrate how the
residents are encouraged to live independent and healthy lives, as well as their
engagement with other agencies (eg the NDA research project team).
Moss Side
Garden Project: Invitation for new members to be published in the next Moss Side
VOP Newsletter. Members are speaking to local schools to engage young people in
the project.
Somaliland group: Membership is through word-of-mouth. Close social networks
facilitate new members.
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Newton Heath
Members of the exercise class have been inviting friends and acquaintances to join the
class. One new member has joined through this method. The class has been advertised
through the Newton Heath VOP newsletter, its website, a short article in the
Advertiser and invitations to members of the social club. An open/ taster session with
buffet is planned for 30/9/09 to attract new members. This has been advertised
through word-of-mouth and posters which members distributed.
XII. Developing policy recommendations (Task 24)
Through collaboration with neighbourhood and city-wide agencies.
Aims of the Partnership:
1. Dialogue between academia, community practitioners, and policy makers
2. Inform practice through evidence based on rigorous research
3. Inform policy recommendations through practitioners‟ experience
4. Develop guidelines and resources for working in communities
5. Ensure sustainability of PAR projects
Summary
During a recent meeting with local agencies and organisations which was organised
through the Valuing Older People team a discussion was held on the political and
structural context of community development work and the engagement of older
people in group activities in their communities. The stakeholders present felt that
current structures governing community development do not allow time and money
for the vital work of capacity and social capital building in the communities. There
was also concern that the current economic climate may have detrimental effects on
the facilities and services offered to older people in their communities. It was felt that
collaboration with the CALL-ME research team may yield some evidence as to the
substantial benefits of these services to older people in preventing decline in health
and well-being and thus maintain independence. Partner organisations also felt it
would be of benefit to establish a comprehensive list of currently available local
facilities, services, activities and other supports for older people. This may then be
used by stakeholders as evidence to support future bids for funding.
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XIII. Research related activities performed by team members
September „09: British Society of Gerontology (symposium on Arts and Ageing
convened by Michael Murray)
September ‟09: Full of Life Festival (neighbourhood teams accessed funds for sub-
projects)
October ‟09: Age Debate: “Unequal Ageing” (organised by Tom Scharf);
Manchester Town Hall; workshop and presentations by research
participants/ teams
Earlier activities are detailed in the two interim reports.
Appendix 1 and 2: for the Interim Reports please see separate documents.
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Appendix 3: Samples of work from West Gorton Young at Heart group
(Ardwick)
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