Enterprising people set to Transform Ageing across Devon
The Transform Ageing programme is providing funding awards to ten social ventures in Devon – and 16 in total across the south-west – which aim to provide solutions to many of the issues faced by people in later life in the region.
A programme of dance to help prevent falls, a community bookshop staffed by people in later life, and a group day-care service for people with dementia are just some of the Devon-based social ventures to receive funding and support as part of Transform Ageing.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Transform Ageing aims to revolutionise the approach to health, wellbeing and social care for people in later life, starting in the south-west of England.
Bringing together people in later life, social entrepreneurs and commissioners of health and care services, it supports new solutions that better support the needs and aspirations of older people.
Transform Ageing is delivered by UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs, alongside Design Council, Centre for Ageing Better and the South West Academic Health Science Network. It is supported locally by Community Council for Somerset, Devon Communities Together, Torbay Community Development Trust, and Volunteer Cornwall.
Ten of the 16 social entrepreneurs to receive funding are based in Devon, and include:
Crediton Community Bookshop: Crediton Community Bookshop is a social enterprise set up in 2013 by a group of volunteers. Staffed by employees and volunteers, the bookshop has gone from strength to strength and in 2016 moved to larger premises. Volunteering is a key aspect of the enterprise, enabling people to learn new skills, become more integrated in the community and contribute to the development of the organisation. Many volunteers are over 50 and some are recently retired, bringing a lifetime of skills and experience. Its schools outreach programme won the prestigious Prince of Wales Award in 2017 for outstanding contribution to improving lives in the community and reaches over 3,000 children every year, transforming many reluctant readers into avid bookworms. Funding from Transform Ageing will enable manager, Dee Lalljee, to recruit a coordinator to grow the team of volunteers.
Step in Time: Clare Parker is an experienced dancer, dance teacher and movement practitioner. Based in the Torbay area, her social venture is a programme of dance which includes strength and balance exercises, specifically for people in later life who are at risk of falls and have decreased mobility. New funding will enable Clare to expand her programme of community classes, performances and social dance events. It will also enable her to work with people who are most isolated in their homes, to help more people gain confidence, mobility and re-engage with their communities.
The Filo Project: The Filo project has been operating successfully in Exeter and across Devon for four years. It provides small group day care service for people with early to moderate dementia. Clients spend a day, or more, with other members and a host carer in the host’s home, enjoying quality and meaningful social time. The funding award will enable the co-founders, Dr Liz Dennis and Libby Price, to expand their business across the south-west to benefit more people and have a greater positive impact.
Aquafolium: Camilla de Bernhardt Lane’s social enterprise is dedicated to reconnecting and nurturing people with the natural environment. They have a particular focus on vulnerable and hard to reach groups including people with caring responsibilities, people with dementia, and those over 55 who are inactive. Aquafolium run indoor and outdoor sessions characterised by making sensory connections with the natural environment and drawing on the practice of mindfulness. Under this broad umbrella they run forest bathing as well as foraging for wellbeing and even ‘remember the forest’ projects with memory cafes across Devon. Funding will enable Aquafolium to continue to grow to become one of the country’s leading providers of nature-based therapeutic interventions for the health and care sector.
David Bartram, Director of Ventures at UnLtd said: “These social entrepreneurs are delivering really valuable services in local communities across the south-west. I am delighted that Transform Ageing is able to provide funding and support to help these enterprising people start and scale their ideas, which have the potential to create lasting positive impact in the region.”
Clare Devine, Design Council Executive Director, said: “It is fantastic to see these ventures responding to the insights generated by local people. This really is about design led innovation from the grass roots of the community. People in later life, social entrepreneurs and public sector staff have worked collaboratively to understand in depth what would make a difference to day to day lives. Now we have an exciting range of ideas responding to what local people want and need.”
