At Great Places, we want our customers to feel totally at home – whether that is in their own home or joining in with activities. For this year’s International Day of Older People theme, ‘What’s on Your Doorstep?’, we’re shining a spotlight on the people, places and activities that are helping older people stay connected and thrive in their homes.
Across Great Places schemes, customers are creating welcoming communities where neighbours can meet, make friends, learn new skills and support one another. Whether it’s over a coffee, breakfast or lunch, these everyday moments help tackle loneliness, build confidence and create a real sense of belonging.
We have a range of offers across our various schemes to allow people to live their lives as they choose with the offer of support and companionship as they want it. And our customers are usually at the forefront of the efforts to create a community in their scheme.
Take, for example, the Chatty Café at Tulloch Court in Blackpool. A group of customers, with a little help from Great Places, are brewing confidence and community.
The scheme, which has been running for 16 years, creates a space where people can not only meet and engage, but also learn practical new skills which builds confidence and creates a sense of purpose in a supportive setting.
A huge part of the café’s success comes down to the training provided by Great Places. This support has given customers the practical tools and confidence they need to run things smoothly and take real pride in their work.
The café is thriving because it focuses on what people can achieve, making it a truly valuable part of daily life at Tulloch Court.
Another good example is at the Docherty Project in Manchester, who have created a men’s coffee and chat afternoon, which take place on a Friday afternoon. It’s arranged and facilitated by customers only with the main attendees in their 50s/60s, all set up with the aim of helping participants make friends, combat isolation and benefit from peer support.
Getting together over a meal is a fantastic way for people to connect and chat, for example through initiative such as the ones as at Openshaw Court in Swinton and The Acacias in Urmston.
At Openshaw Court, they have Fish Friday where customers gather for a chippy lunch, listen to the radio and enjoy each other’s company. One customer said: “I look forward to it. I don’t get out much it’s a chance to see and meet others that live here.”
And at The Acacias, they have coffee mornings on Wednesdays where customers and non-residents enjoy coffee and cake for £1, which goes into a kitty for their Christmas celebrations.
One individual who attends said: “I have been coming for just over 20 years as a non-resident. I started coming due to an invite from an old friend who lived at The Acacias and they haven’t gotten rid of me!”
At The Byrons in Higher Blackley, every Wednesday and Friday, the Deputy Manager from Radis, the on-site care provider, hosts a Breakfast Club for all customers. The popular social gathering offers residents the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast in a warm and friendly environment, while encouraging social interaction, reducing isolation, and helping to build a strong sense of community.
The Breakfast Club is open to everyone on scheme and provides a great opportunity for customers to connect with neighbours, make new friendships, and start their day in a positive and supportive atmosphere.
These are just a few of the examples of how Great Places and their customers are creating fantastic places to live and thrive for older people.
