Hosting pop-up events in neutral spaces as a steppingstone to engagement

This zoom workshop shares practical learning from the Age UK Camden, Ageing Better in Camden programme (one of 14 Ageing Better programme areas funded by the Lottery Community Fund), to support community groups and organisations to find and engage the older people less likely to access formal groups, activities, services and support.

During the session, Jo Stapleton, Good Practice Mentor, Outreach Specialist (member of the national Good Practice Mentor Programme team), will share insight gained from older people reluctant to access formal activities and the practical learning and materials to plan and host informal pop-up events, including:

• how to provide a low social risk opportunity for people who may be reluctant to access formal groups and activities.
• identifying the neutral spaces and places older people feel comfortable to meet.
• producing information to publicise an informal event
• creating an informal welcoming environment and the practicalities of hosting an informal drop-in event
• facilitation strategies to encourage people to make social connections with neighbours and other local people
• making the most of the opportunity to capture insight and learning from the people you wouldn't meet in other settings