The Ageing Better in Camden (ABC) Outreach Team uses a range of strategies to find and engage with older people who are not accessing activities or support services. During their work, the team noticed that most older men they met were very keen on having a conversation, but were reluctant to engage with formal activities, including men's groups, on offer with Ageing Better in Camden.

 

That’s why in 2019 the Outreach Team undertook a research project, speaking to older men who weren’t involved in community activities, to find out what they are currently doing and what an attractive social activity might look like for them. These conversations took place in sheltered housing schemes, pubs and during street outreach.

 

The findings from this research showed a preference by the older men involved for opportunities to meet and connect in informal ways with peers in neutral settings. Based on this learning, the Outreach Team set out to create informal social events and connections as a stepping stone for older men to expand their own social networks.

 

We will also be joined by some of our Ageing Better friends from around England, who will share their experiences of supporting older men to build social networks.