New One Small Step Project Launched by the Support Hub

The Support Hub for Older People has launched a new partnership project, One Small Step, to support the wellbeing of older people affected by lockdown and the pandemic. 

This project is inspired by an awareness campaign that the Support Hub ran in August 2021, encouraging people over the age of 50 to reconnect with their communities online and/or in person. We have seen first-hand the long term effects of the pandemic and multiple lockdowns which have caused an increased level of social isolation and anxiety in some older people.

The awareness campaign encouraged people to reconnect by sharing stories from older people about their experiences of the pandemic and how they had engaged with their communities.

Thanks to funding from St Monica Trust, a partnership of Support Hub organisations has started a project offering activities and person-centred support for older people to get back out again and improve their wellbeing. The One Small Step project has started now and will run until March 2023.

The One Small Step partnership includes Age UK Bristol, Bristol Drugs Project, Redcatch Community Garden, Sight Support West of England and The Reader. 

All activities are free and everyone is welcome.

Age UK Bristol offer telephone groups on different subjects and telephone befriending for anyone who would like one-to one support and friendship. Call our helpline for more information 0117 929 7537 or email admin@ageukbristol.org.uk.

Bristol Drugs Project offers a weekly social group for people aged 50 + with current or recent problems related to their drug or alcohol use. We offer personalised support to improve wellbeing and confidence. For more information, contact their helpline 0117 987 6000.

Redcatch Community Garden is running Art Therapy sessions in 6 week blocks. These are in their (heated) safari tent and outdoors in good weather. There will be sessions aimed at people with dementia and session of gardening activities such as making hanging baskets. You can contact them directly for more information at wellbeing.rcg@gmail.com or mobile: 07769 013243.

Sight Support West of England offers one-to-one support for people with deteriorating sight loss. We are able to offer personalised support on the practicalities and emotional wellbeing around sight loss. Get in touch if you would like to talk about our services. Call 0117 322 4885 or email info@sightsupportwest.org.uk.

The Reader offers shared reading groups for everyone to enjoy great literature. You can join in the reading or you can just listen and enjoy. Groups are online, over the phone or face to face. There are several groups across Bristol. Get in touch if you would like to come to one of the sessions. We will be able to talk through the options. Email Michael at michaelprior@thereader.org.uk. 

Each person’s experience of the last two years will have been different, for some with underlying health and mental health conditions it may have been harder to cope. For example, those who are living with sight loss, and those who have experience of substance abuse. Therefore Bristol Drugs Project and Sight Support West of England will be sharing their specialist knowledge on reaching these communities. 

If you or someone you know would like to access the services available through the One Small Step project, please either get in touch with the service most applicable to you or contact the Support Hub helpline to discuss your options. The helpline is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, call 0117 929 7537 and you can email admin@ageukbristol.org.uk