Key learning: flexible projects
By working alongside our delivery partners, using a test and learn approach, we have found that one size doesn’t fit all and projects need to be flexible in their design and approach.
There is a need for flexibility in the way that projects are designed and developed. A trusted relationship between the funder and project is vital in ensuring that staff feel able and supported to be creative in their approach and keep the needs of the older person at the centre of what they are trying to achieve.
Time to Shine projects have shown flexibility in:
- finding older people - going to the places older people are, where they already access.
- supporting people in a way that suits them, including through home visits, the frequency of meetings and the length of involvement in a project.
- having the confidence to change or adapt the project plan.
Throughout the programme the complexity of loneliness on individual has been staggering. The ability of a project to be flexible and responsive to individual needs has led to greater individual outcomes.
Learning links
Telephone befriending: information and resources (Time to Shine, March 2020) to support organisations who are working in new ways during the coronavirus crisis.
Time to Shine reports
Food for thought: community connections through shared meals (Time to Shine, January 2020)
More resources on the importance of food in reducing social isolation
- Reducing the loneliness of vulnerable groups: a case study of the Small Funds project (Care Connect, 2017)
- Complexity Of Loneliness And Meaningful Relationships Report (Time To Shine, September 2019)
- Thinking of running an activity to reduce loneliness? Get inspired by Time to Shine (Care Connect, 2016)
- Time to Shine Training
- Young at arts: reducing loneliness and social isolation through offering creative social opportunities (Care Connect, 2017)
Reports from other Ageing Better programmes
- ‘An ordinary conversation’ – what works in street outreach? (Ageing Better in Camden, May 201
- Bringing different ages together through shared activities (Ageing Better in Birmingham, February 2020)
- Maintaining social connections with older people remotely (Ageing Better in Birmingham, April 2020)
- Mental Health and Wellbeing - Learning Digest (Bristol Ageing Better, January 2020)
National reports
- Bereavement - learning from Ageing Better (National Lottery Community Fund)
- Bridging the digital divide - learning from Ageing Better (National Lottery Community Fund)