The idea
Our community has an ageing population that needs better provision of stimulating creative and social activities. From Spring 2026 and in partnership with local organisations, we seek to begin an expansion of our impactful arts-led community activities to devise and deliver a pilot project that will engage with over 100 older people to offer fantastic cultural and creative participatory activities.
The new programme of activities will make use of a brand new site – Chipping Norton Theatre’s Pop Up Studios in the former Highlands day care centre on Burford Road, and will run in partnership with Age Concern Chipping Norton and Lawrence Home Nursing. The funding will support the costs of upgrading the building for a better and more accessible user experience, a series of taster workshops and activities, local transport and consultation with older people and the organisations that support them to lay the foundations for a long term programme.
What we'll deliver
- Creative activities to improve physical health
- Creative activities to improve mental health
Why it's a great idea
“Rural areas have a unique set of circumstances that can exacerbate the social isolation of older residents, leading to poor health, loss of independence and lower quality of life.” -Campaign to end loneliness.
Chipping Norton and the surrounding rural area has a higher proportion of people aged 65 and over than the district, county, regional and national averages. The elder population has increased by 32% over the past decade indicating a significant demographic shift towards an older population. This trend is reflected in the area's health and well-being profile, which shows higher prevalence of older people living alone and other health indicators that are worse than national averages.
Our arts-led programme of participatory activities will tackle social isolation, improve physical and mental health and build community cohesion. By working with experienced local partners we will be able to target and support participants that will benefit most from our new activity programme.
Steps to get it done
- Consult with older people in our community on activities that would interest and engage them.
- Engage with organisations that support older people in our community to explore partnerships/understand current offer.
- Deliver taster sessions of new activities, ascertaining uptake and demonstrating need and impact.
- Evaluate initial programme to inform long-term programme offer.
