Older People Engagement & Involvement
Summary of Learning
December 2014 to July 2015
10 t h December 2014 – First Coproduction Cohort
Background
We identified a cohort of 20 individuals over 50 to be actively involved in the coproducing of Ageing Better
in Birmingham. These individuals represented our priority areas of Tyburn, Sparkbrook, carers, and
members of the LGBT community as well as people from across Birmingham. Each had their own personal
experience of isolation which will help shape the development, management, delivery, monitoring and
evaluation of the project.
Engagement Activity
In order to create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, the cohort developed a set of
ground rules to establish trust and respect within the group whilst allowing them to communicate
comfortably. These ground rules will form and influence the policies and procedures that ensure
meaningful involvement from older people in the project.
1) Listen to each other, without interrupting
2) All opinions are valid
3) Challenge the issue and not the person
4) Don’t make assumptions
5) Check understanding
6) Personal experiences and stories are confidential, talk about the issues instead
7) Personal experiences and stories should not be repeated elsewhere without approval from the
individual
8) Don’t monopolise discussion and allow others to contribute
9) Be truthful, honest and open
10) Respect difference – don’t judge
11) Take care of each other, there may be times when sharing an experience will be difficult to tell but
also difficult for someone to hear
12) Take space if needed
13) Good communication with each other and from the Ageing Better in Birmingham programme
14) Leave well - make sure that everyone is in a good place after engaging
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Personal Experience of I solation & Loneliness
From our discussions, we discovered that a certain event in people’s lives often was a catalyst with a knock
on effect that was the cause of isolation, for example divorce or family moving away. We found that across
all the individuals involved, they expressed the same common themes in regards to trigger points of
isolation:
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Loss of spouse or family member
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Loss of friends
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Changes in health and disabilities
Other contributing factors that increase an individuals sense of isolation
The following common themes were also mentioned as contributing factors of isolation. Some issues that
represent similar experience from a particular community of interest are also portrayed:
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Transport
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Cost and money
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Mobility
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Confidence
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Safety
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Digitisation of communication and access to services
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Changing nature of communities
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Not knowing where to go
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Existing factors that can increase the sense of isolation with age
Similar themes triggering isolation within the LGBT community included homophobia, vulnerability,
personal safety, uncertainty, prejudice and cultural/religious issues.
For carers, common trigger points for isolation included judgemental attitudes, end of life issues,
bereavement and the dissolution of care networks afterwards, guilt and fear.
Overcoming Isolation
A common theme discussed was the importance of local spaces where people can socialise and feel safe.
Interacting with groups and activities in community settings allows them to utilise their skills and
knowledge in a useful way to add purpose and offer support to others, sometimes even taking ownership
of the running of activities within the group.
The people that they meet in these places often
become friends and in some cases fill the void left by
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external families. It also increases their levels of confidence and allows them to do more for their
neighbours in the community.
They expressed how the first step to overcoming isolation is very difficult – it is often fear that prevents
moving forward but it can be one small thing that triggers their journey out of isolation. They say it’s
sometimes difficult to know what’s happening locally and how appropriate transport is essential for those
with mobility issues. Improving the Council’s understanding of isolation could help them direct funding
towards helping those who are isolated. Faith is an important aspect too, providing safe places and
socialisation.
Images that represent personal experiences of isolation
During a consultation event we gave our cohort a selection of generic photos that they may associate with
isolation. We asked each person to choose photographs that spoke to them personally and asked them to
explain why. We found that the images chosen often represented a personal journey through isolation.
Factors that were visually represented included faith buildings (as both a positive and negative factor),
money, transport, mobility, health, music and community activities or groups.
These images show us that there are many facets and linkages to causes and feelings of isolation. This also
shows us that isolation is a personal experience and is different for each individual.
Comments and feedback from coproduction group in regards to the Ageing
Better programme delivery and design
1) There is a danger that each “community” will stick to its own agenda
2) Age sometimes affects attitudes
3) We need to be aware of and address cultural issues to increase integration in the Birmingham
community
4) How do we ensure all sections of the community are engaged with the design, delivery and
evaluation of the programme? Should other ages be included also?
5) Communications/advertising that is sensitive to older people who may be isolated
6) Contact the doctors/GPs and get them to refer people to the programme
7) Centralised number so people will have one simple point of call
8) Publicise opportunities well
9) Talk to people, set up meetings
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Future contributio ns and methods of communication
The cohort wanted to continue their involvement and have agreed to contribute their time, skills,
knowledge and experiences when they are able to. They wish to share their experiences overcoming
isolation through local clubs and activities. They would like to be involved in similar events, encourage
other older people to get involved and be able to go out on day trips to gain different views and learn new
things.
10 t h February 2015 – Ageing Better Networks
& Audit of Skills
As part of our coproduction for Ageing Better in Birmingham, we asked the cohort to discuss and write
down their experiences, skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their life. This exercise
illustrates the diverse experiences and skills that can be added to the development of a large scale project.
It shows the assets and strengths each person has within a community, which can be built upon and
harnessed to reduce isolation and create socially connected communities. The results of the audit are
shown in
the table below:
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Introduced in February were the Ageing Better Networks - groups of people who will help stay in touch
with and look out for older people in their area. They offer simple, practical local support and involvement
for older people. Ageing Better Networks can work with older people in their area to help start entirely
new activities or services that older people want but currently have no access to.
In order to gain an insight on how these Ageing Better Networks will operate as well as the key areas to
consider in developing networks in communities across Birmingham, we asked the group a series of
questions. The group worked in four tables, with a table facilitator to consider these questions.
Feedback from q uestions and points to consider
Connecting w ith others and meeting new people
Existing community groups, support groups and interest groups are popular ways that older people get to
know each other and meet new people. Building trust with neighbours is important to establish supportive
communities although this can be difficult.
Suggestions for ways of how people can connect with new members of the community were knocking on
doors with a community/faith leader and targeting areas where people tend to meet. They stressed that
any new community activity needs to be well advertised.
Impacting isolation of older members of their communities in new w ays
What resources do w e have/ w ould we need for these activities/app roaches?
Popular new approaches discussed included activities where people can share their skills across different
generations, local projects that communities can take ownership of and local hubs of information where
people can go to find out what social activities are on that they can get involved in.
They recognised how using a wide variety of ways to communicate with older people, how to bring new
and existing groups together and trying different ways to get to know people would need to be considered.
Other considerations raised included advertising, encouraging isolated people to join in, connecting
isolated people with those who are not and recognising life circumstances suddenly changing. In regards to
resources when setting up new activities the group discussed factoring cost into the setup and running of
new activities, time, transport, accessibility and support options available for the co-ordination of setting
up new activities.
What could we do about carers or those isolated at home? What c ould assist
in the transition from being a carer w hen the cared for dies?
The groups were asked to consider what citizens in Birmingham could do to help one of our priority areas;
carers who may be isolated at home. These included
awareness of carers, communication, support,
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befriending, understanding the challenges they face, access to information and online support/advice.
It was noted that the transition from being a carer, when the cared for dies, is a difficult time. The
transition should be gradual, allowing the individual to grieve and access support at their own pace. There
was also an observation that those who care for family members do not get any training or resources and
caring for a relative is something we are expected to do out of love, with sometimes minimal external
support.
It was felt that an ongoing relationship with and between carers may help the transition when the cared for
dies or their circumstances change.
2 n d April 2015 - Power & Influence Over Isolation
& Breaking Down the ‘Menu of Engagement’
Pow er and influence over the issues that affect isolation
The issues that affect isolation, which were identified and explored by individuals during the session (in no
particular order of importance), were as follows:
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Bereavement
Deterioration in health and mobility
Disability
Being a carer
Prejudices against older people within the LGBT community
Transport
Housing
Financial issues and unemployment
Confidence
Loss of networks
Whilst exploring these issues, many of the individuals involved did not feel that they have power and
influence over the issues that they identified during the activity. However, in almost all cases those present
want power and influence over these issues. Although in some cases, changing and improving an
individuals power and influence over these issues would require intensive time and effort.
What part can Ageing Better in Birmingham pla y in helping to improve the
pow er and influence a person has over the issues that affect isolation?
Ageing Better in Birmingham can help to improve a person’s power and influence over these issues by
representing a range of views and being a platform for a collective voice of older residents within
Birmingham. Ageing Better can create opportunities to meet new people through supporting the formation
of new activities and support networks around the issues that affect isolation, whilst empowering and
supporting people to be involved. Feedback from this
meeting suggests that an important aspect of Ageing
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Better in Birmingham is giving older people a voice, an opportunity to affect services used by older people
and challenging prejudices and perceptions in communities.
Key messages from breaking down Ageing Better’s - Menu of
Engagement
Communication is key and needs to be:
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Two way
Accessible (language and print and context)
Use multiple media, not discounting any form
Use local networks
Consultation needs to be used to shape local delivery and needs to:
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Be peer led where possible and people trained to do this
Make no assumptions
Be listening that results in action
Helping voices that aren’t usually heard to influence the local and the strategic
Use a variety of consultation tools and methods
Participation needs to:
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Be based on growing relationships of trust understanding and respect
Use champions, young and old
Be flexible to allow for changing circumstances
Open to all
Encourage active participation and not a consumer approach
Include the power to change things
Self-managed wherever possible.
Coproduction needs to:
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Encourage the widest possible voice and experience
Provide opportunities to try new skills
Empower and equip older people
Be fully accountable financially and demonstrate value for money
2 n d June 2015 - Communicating Messages & Using What W e
Have Learned
What should w e cal l our group?
The attendees came up with different ideas of what
we should call the involvement meetings group.
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Questions & Answers w ith Observers of the Ageing Better Core Partnership
Meeting 7 t h May 2015
Two observers attended the first Core Partnership Meeting of Ageing Better in Birmingham on 7th May
2015. They were asked questions about their experiences of this which they fed back to the group.
Feedback from April’s meeting - w hat w e have learnt about involvement and
how we w ill use this
The group looked at their involvement in Ageing Better so far and how this informs and shapes the project.
They were shown the Involvement Graphic to reaffirm how it is shaping the project plan. They were asked
to reflect on their experiences with Ageing Better and their knowledge and understanding of it.
What has m y experience of Ageing Better been?
The group’s experiences have been positive and they felt they were met by a welcoming attitude. They’ve
gained more understanding of different people from different backgrounds via their interactions whilst
developing more confidence and understanding overall. They have a wider view of older people across the
city and their experiences with isolation. They want to be involved in helping others even if they do not
know how. They want to share their time, experiences and stories to help others.
What do I think is important in the Ageing Better process?
Some of the key areas that the group felt were important were being accepting, respectful and inclusive of
other cultures and ages. Supporting people, raising confidence in order to plan for actions were also
mentioned. They spoke about allowing older people to have a say and using that to influence issues that
are important to them e.g. housing.
What do I understand better tha n I did?
There was increased understanding in what the Ageing Better project is about and they feel they can
explain it more clearly to other people. They understand what the involvement meetings are for and that
they have real power and influence over things, like observing at board meetings. They have a deeper
understanding of isolation, how it is created and how is affects people. The group understands the meaning
of the project and how they can influence others.
What questions do I have and w hat do I n eed clarification on?
These were some of the key questions raised by the group:
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How are we going to influence the media to get the message out?
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How much promotion and advertising has been done and where?
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Why are the selected organisations on the Core Partnership Board and who selected them?
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What does it mean to be an observer – what does the role cover?
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How can we share our experiences and talk to other people?
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How do we create resilience in older people?
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Will we have any say with Birmingham City Council?
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Can we get a report back on progress?
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What is the money being spent on?
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How do we create things which work for everyone when one size doesn’t fit all?
Mini Hubs
The group were introduced to Mini Hubs, and were told that 25 would be set up in the first year of the
project and that they would act as supporters and promoters of Ageing Better and the Ageing Better
Network idea. The group were then asked questions about Mini Hubs.
What w ould make it an Ageing Better Mini Hub?
The group thought Mini Hubs should be positive, welcoming and establish good relationships and strong
networks within the community. They should be accessible, visible and affordable. Mini Hubs should be
innovative, different and be relevant. The group felt they should encourage participation, decision making,
debate and opinion sharing.
What message should these groups take out to get people involved?
Mini Hubs should promote that older people are equal and important. They should be community
focussed, include younger generations and promote a positive idea of ageing. The groups felt they should
be exciting, adaptive and empowering. They should be simple and use the right language to be understood
and catch people’s attention. Mini Hubs should be about connecting people and working together.
What is our message?
The group were asked to think about what the key
themes
and ideas that represent Ageing Better are. The main
messages that were generated by the group are listed to
the
right:
The group also mentioned about never being too old,
being
able to make contributions and wanting to learn. They
talked
about not being negatively labelled and not wanting to be
patronised. They came up with the strap lines:
“Working together to enjoy life and connect w ith others.”
“Feel better, Be better, Age b etter.”
12 t h August 2015 – Defining the Role & Creating an Ageing
Better Activity
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Feedback about Core Partnership Meeting from Observer
A member from the group was an observer at the Core Partnership Meeting on 2 nd July. Although he
wasn’t present during this Age of Experience meeting, he did let us know that he had a good experience at
the meeting in July. He said he felt supported by the partnership organisations attending and that the
language used was simplistic and easy to understand. He felt there is a long way to go as the project starts
and develops but overall, his experience at the meeting was enjoyable.
Feedback from the Partnership & Delivery Manager interview s
On 22nd June two members of the Age of Experience group were involved with interviews for the
Partnership & Delivery Manager. This was the second round of interviews after the first round was
unsuccessful in recruiting for the role.
The observers enjoyed their day, saying they found the recruitment process very interesting. Although they
said the day was long and a bit gruelling at times, they felt they had selected the right candidate for the
job. The new Partnership & Delivery Manager will be starting with Ageing Better over the coming months.
On 8th July, members of the Ageing Better team and a member of the Age of Experience group attended an
event for all the Ageing Better projects across England. There were fourteen areas who attended to
showcase their projects and offer advice and guidance based on their knowledge and experiences. One of
the Age of Experience group came along for the day and shared her reasons behind why she initially got
involved with Ageing Better – in order to help her friends.
Feedback from June’s meeting & defining the role of the “Age of Experience
Group”
Following on from suggestions made from the last meeting on 2 nd June, we asked the attendees to vote on
an official name for these involvement meetings. The name that got the most votes was Age of Experience
which will now be the new name for the group meetings.
Ageing Better Activities - Brainstorming
The group were asked to think about what defines an Ageing Better activity and came up with a list of
words they felt reflected this:
Community
Friendship
Active
Trust
Supporting
Fun
People
Working
Out of Isolation
Together
Empowerment
Having the Best
The group then brainstormed ideas for activities based on the above words about Ageing Better, these
ideas included:
 Food – celebration of world foods, cooking, baking, party, lunch club, Christmas party
 Shopping – visit to a culturally diverse area
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Bowling – with support available for those with limited mobility
Canal – show off Birmingham’s canals followed up afternoon tea
Library – visit to Library of Birmingham
Generational Tea Dance – dressing up, food, music
Music – dancing, singing, music sharing
Exercise – include music, make it relaxing and inclusive
Gardening – educational, botanical gardens
Crafts – knitting, create things to sell for charity
Games Day – dominoes, cards, bingo
Book Club
After the ideas were shared with the whole group, a vote was held for the two favourite ideas which were
a botanical gardens visit and the collection of different workshops event. During the next Age of Experience
meeting in October, these ideas will be further developed so they can become real Ageing Better activities.
14th October 2015 & 12th November 2015 – Planning an Ageing Better Activity
We asked the Age of Experience group to start breaking down the tasks and activities to organise their
workshop event. By forming into groups and focussing on different themes, i.e. refreshments, transport,
music etc. they started to work out what they needed to think about, how they will come about these
decisions and what actions will be outstanding as a result. Whilst the October meeting focussed on the
logistics and practical side of the event, the November meeting focussed more on the content and
activities for the workshops.
After the meetings, we asked the group to reflect on their time spent planning, organising, working in
teams and how it affected their confidence.
October:
 Despite half of the group being involved with event planning before, there was uncertainty and
general lack of confidence regarding organising this event.
 There was some trepidation around working with others however; they did admit that working in
teams does makes things easier and more enjoyable.
 70% felt fully involved in the organising of the event.
 After the event, 50% more of the group members felt confident planning an activity than before the
meeting.
 The only query raised was around who they would be accountable to.
November:
 Generally, there was more confidence and positivity towards event planning during this meeting.
 Half of the group were happy to work in a team with 80% feeling they were fully involved in the
organising of the event.
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A comment was made about how poor hearing can make them feel excluded – accessibility for all
definitely needs to be addresses prior to involvement so they do not feel left out during the
meeting.
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