3. Communities and connections
Research shows that people (of all
ages) with strong social networks are
happier, healthier, wealthier.
People‟s social
networks are
the „social glue‟
that hold
communities together
4. All that knowledge and talent...
People in communities have a wealth
of experience, skills and assets
7. “The Art of Reminiscing”
• Older people living in sheltered housing
• Got together to sew a large quilt
containing photographs and memories of
family life, work
and industry
• Worked with a
community artist
• Exhibition of the quilt
16. Thinking differently about food
• A need for an imaginative approach
• Made contact with pubs, cafes and
others
• Consulted people
• Linked with a local Resource Centre
• Harnessed emerging ideas
• Helped people make connections
19. Quotes from Pulp Friction
“I liked doing Pulp Friction, it was
good meeting new people. It was
helpful for me and I got a job”
“ I like doing Pulp Friction, I do
cleaning and put the rubbish in the
bin. It has given me more confidence”
20. „We may be retired but we‟re not too old!
Mr
and
Mrs
Hunt
22. Assets in communities
There are already lots of:
Providers and users of traditional care services
People with great ideas
Community groups
Voluntary organisations and volunteers
Entrepreneurial individuals and innovators
Faith groups
Statutory agencies and departments
Who have the skills and assets to help other people in their
community ....
23.
24. ...if only we can:
Find them...
Join them up
Offer a helping hand
Minimise the barriers
Be a community catalyst!
When people work together they can achieve
so much more than when they work alone.
And that is what today is all about
28. Who are we and where did we come
from?
Established in 2000
Roots in our local churches
Holistic Suite of Services
29. Housing
Support
Employment
Training Furniture
What
We Do
Starter Packs Storage
Retail
Decorating
30. Track record
Improved the standard of life for over
15,000 people through furniture and
starter packages.
Supported & Trained over 1000 people
to develop life & employability skills.
Delivered over 3,000 Starter packs.
Sustainable employment -
assisted 200 into work.
44. “As parents it was our primary focus to enable Rachel
and
Wee Finlay to fly the nest and begin an independent life.
Highland Council has helped us, as far as possible given
our children’s profound needs, to achieve this goal.”
Project Description: A project to involve older people living in sheltered housing in sewing a large quilt which will contain photographs and memories of family life, work and industry in the NW Leicestershire villages. A community artist will work with support staff from the schemes to lead art and sewing sessions involving some of the most isolated older people living alone. There will be an exhibition of the quilt to which all who have participated will be invited.