At our three centres in Manchester , Wythenshawe , Openshaw and Gorton we want to broaden the membership of our existing projects to include individuals who may currently be excluded due to a lack of accessible transport. There are a number of reasons why older people may be unable to use conventional public transport , some of these may be around physical frailty , mental health needs or simply a lack of confidence . We seek to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle which will be used to bring very isolated older people to their local centres to enjoy a wide range of stimulating social activities that promote health and well being and reduce social isolation. Our staff and volunteers will support and enable passengers in their use of this transport and help to build their confidence and independence in getting out and about.

What we'll deliver:

• We will help to promote activity and leisure opportunities for isolated older people
• We will help to increase volunteering opportunities by offering opportunities for people to become "transport buddies"
• We will help more people to access and make use of assets of community value
• We will encourage older people to share their existing skills rather than focus on skills that are lost
• We will help to improve our local environment through use of green spaces with our Gardening and Mend and Make groups
• Reduced social isolation and opportunities for increasing benefit take up amongst older adults

Why it's a great idea:

Research has shown that being isolated is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being morbidly obese . We work in some of the most deprived areas in the city of Manchester where life expectancy is lowest. We are committed to combating loneliness and to making later life in Manchester a time of opportunity , friendships and fun Help us to reach out to lonely older people and end their isolation by offering opportunities to socialise ,to learn and to share their many skills and wealth of experience with their local community.

Steps to get it done:

• Identify and purchase vehicles
• promote the opportunity for accessible social groups to agencies who can help us to identify isolated individuals
• promote the volunteering opportunities created by offering greater numbers of activities
• engage with local older people in the planning of the group sessions to ensure they reflect local interest and need
• introduce new members to the groups
• plan and deliver projects that allow older people remain ambitious and active
• deliver the projects in an environment that encourages friendship and peer support
• deliver the groups in a way that allows older adults to demonstrate their contribution to local community life
• train and support volunteers in a way that improves skills and confidence
• train and support volunteers in a way that makes them more " work ready"
• seek out opportunities for partnership work with local businesses
• seek out opportunities for inter generational work with local schools
• seek out opportunities to work in partnership with other community groups

We are aware that there are very many older adults who require additional help and support when getting out and about . We aim to offer support to the most frail individuals in our local communities and allow them to remain active participants in local community life.