Innovation briefs launched to ‘Transform Ageing’
The experience of ageing in the South West is set to be transformed with the announcement of six innovation briefs for ambitious social entrepreneurs to apply their creative expertise in Somerset, Devon, Torbay and Cornwall.
The innovation briefs were launched as part of the Transform Ageing programme, at an event in Bristol on 19 October. Transform Ageing is funded by the Big Lottery and being led by The Design Council, with partners including UnLtd, South West Academic Health Science Network, and the Centre for Ageing Better. Delivery of the programme is supported locally by four organisations: Community Council for Somerset, Devon Communities Together, Torbay Community Development Trust, and Volunteer Cornwall to ensure the challenges meet very specific local needs.
You can view all of the innovation briefs here and find out how to apply.
The six themes are:
- Steps to a positive future – empowering people in later life to take their first steps in any activity or engagement in the community. This challenge aims to re-engage people with former interests and develop increased physical and emotional wellbeing, recognising skills, knowledge and experience.
- Mobility and Transport – removing the barriers which prevent good mobility and negatively impact upon daily living and wellbeing. This challenge looks to help people remain independent, allow them to make spontaneous decisions and develop social connections through the journeys they make
- Life transitions – supporting people to better prepare for and go through life changes as smoothly as possible. Improving people’s networks and connections to support them with changes in their life is the goal of this challenge. The challenge aims to give people in later life improved confidence and resilience in dealing with significant life changes
- Caring about carers – preventing stress, anxiety, isolation and fatigue before it has a negative impact on carers’ quality of life. This challenge looks to offer improved support to carers and help develop access to mutual support and peer learning, ensuring carers have an increased sense of identity and self-worth.
- Right information, right time – making information which matters most to someone available when it is needed. Social ventures here should look to support people with the right information and make it accessible and relevant, allowing those in later life to readily make informed decisions, access services or support and participate in community activities
- Making connections – making it possible for people in later life to connect with people, community and activities to lead a healthier, happier and more active later life. This challenge addresses loneliness and is designed to ensure people in later life can play a more active role in their community, developing more opportunities for social interactions in their day-to-day lives
Each innovation brief was developed in collaboration with local people to capture their perspectives, experiences and insights into what will make a difference in their communities. The briefs are designed to encourage social entrepreneurs from around the UK to launch new services or products in the region, with a unique package of funding from UnLtd, the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. This will promote their ability to create social impact, become investment ready and increase sustainability.
