Forward Thinking Hackney

A network of social events and activities for men in midlife at risk of social isolation. Through a community ambassador it provides access to resources, advice, local knowledge, and peer-support on planning for later life.

challenge

commonground worked in partnership with Age UK Hackney to find solutions for improving how men in their 50s are preparing themselves for later life. The project has been funded by NESTA as part of their Age Unlimited programme to bring innovation to public services for older people.

process

commonground gathered insights on the barriers to future planning and why men in midlife were not greatly involved in services available to them. This helped identify the real needs of individuals. We worked with Age UK Hackney to develop a Theory of Change which looked at the long term goals of the project and the steps needed to encourage new behaviours to reach these goals. Working with Age UK Hackney's existing clients, commonground facilitated a process of co-design that generated ideas together with clients, front-line staff and senior managers, and with members of other local organisations supporting men. We tested and visualised service proposals for a peer-support service along with specific elements such as resource packs together with the men involved in the project.

result

The project has resulted in a small scale pilot, which Age UK Hackney are looking to scale up across the borough. The pilot will offer a preventative service that brings peer-support, coaching, resources and expert advice through activities and social events. The aim is to bring men together in order to manage their futures and gain more confidence and independence; to be more in control of their finances, health and social interests; to therefore reduce the vulnerability of social isolation in later life.

We are currently working with AgeUK Hackney to ensure that the true impact of this service can be measured as accurately as possible.

Follow Forward Thinking Men on twitter: @fwdthinking_men