The idea
Wishing Hearts is a grassroots organisation that enriches the lives of older people in Kent through one-of-a-kind wish experiences which promote social inclusion, connection and happiness.
We adopt a personal approach to the services we provide to older people which is achieved through ‘Wishes’. Wishes aim to enable people explore an old passion, see an old friend or re-connect to a part of their life that they miss. Wishes can be anything. Previous examples include:
Attending an equestrian show
Seeing a bag pipe player
A visit from a shire horse
A tattoo
A trip to the beach
We do more than granting wishes. We challenge the perception of older communities and advocate for improved support provision for those communities. Your funding will support the overhead costs necessary to make these services possible. By supporting us, you are supporting more than just a charity. You are helping to fight for some of the most seldom heard voices ensuring that they have the support they deserve.
What we'll deliver
- 30 Wish Experiences for individuals in the local area
- 24 coffee morning sessions delivered per year – providing opportunities for older people to make new friends.
- Development of organisational infrastructure to enable an agile approach to responding to identified challenges.
- Community Outreach activities including talks for local community groups, partnerships with local organisations a
- Awareness Campaigns designed to raise awareness of Wishing Hearts
- A volunteer support framework ensuring more resources and support are available: ‘Champions’ scheme.
Why it's a great idea
Our project is critical to ensure an under-represented demographic within Kent have access to support.
Our services will enable older people to develop meaningful relationships with their local communities improving not only their mental health but their physical health.
This scheme will ensure older people feel integrated within society – creating a whole and inclusive society where every individual feels valued and welcome. Our project also fills a void in current service provision, as many of the existing services available are group-based. By providing services which are individual lead, we are able to provide a more person-centred approach to our work.
Signposting is also a vital element of this project. We work with other organisations who provide a wide range of support, ensuring that we can offer support to everyone, no matter their needs. Above all else, by supporting this project you are helping to show older members of our community that they are not alone.
Steps to get it done
- Grant 10 wishes for the older community
- Grant 20 wishes for the older community
- Grant 30 wishes for the older community
- Develop and trial new volunteer programme with a pilot scheme
- The delivery of 12 coffee morning sessions
- The delivery of 24 coffee morning sessions
