Wigan Saying Hello Project

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Case Studies - Older People
Wigan Saying Hello Project

“Having many hobbies and interests, I am never lonely. Not being bored means no time for loneliness.”

The “Saying Hello” project aims to identify and promote strategies for coping with, and reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people in the Wigan Borough.

The research is innovative as it has been designed to enable the active participation of older people throughout all stages of the research process –older people are at the heart of this project, and the research will be guided by their choices and experience.

From the research project a partnership with Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust’s Arts Development section has been developed. This has enabled a project team to work with local groups of older people in a creative way-Wigan Pier Theatre Company and a professional writer facilitated a series of writing workshops with the local community.

Their thoughts and experience of the sensitive issues around isolation and loneliness were explored through creative writing and photography. The material was then explored by pupils from a local high school who performed for the older people in an intergenerational “sharing” event.

The arts have a key role to play in tackling the root causes of social isolation by contributing to community development, developing social cohesion, community confidence and personal growth and positive mental health.

Contact Vicky Fletcher
Tel: 01942 488490
E-mail: V.Fletcher@wlct.org