Communities Connected

Social isolation and loneliness levels have been unprecedentedly high among older people worldwide, especially post-pandemic. Ageing increases the risk of social isolation, but for u3a members, this challenge is met head-on through connection, learning, and active participation.

However, what is surprising is just how many ways people are finding to engage with their communities. That connection is often an understated yet vital outcome of what these groups achieve – along with their work.

Future Lives is of course all about inspiring, influencing and informing. There are other ways to do those things by connecting or indeed creating communities. Whether you’re joining something new or thinking of starting your own initiative, consider bringing a friend along. Together, you’ll not only share the adventure but double the joy!

Here are some ideas on where to start.

Community Catalysts

They are a small collective of highly experienced individuals in people-led social care and health. They have a unique perspective on the world, valuing and celebrating the power of community. What is key to their success is an unrivalled knowledge of how to help local people support and uplift one another within their own communities.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations

NCVO acts as a database for volunteering opportunities. It doesn’t place volunteers in charities directly, but the information provided offers a way to think more about the kinds of roles and responsibilities that may interest you.

Social Enterprises

Social enterprises are businesses which trade for a social or environmental purpose. There are more than 131,000 social enterprises in the UK, with a collective turnover of £78 billion and employing around 2.3 million people. Social enterprises demonstrate a better way to do business, one that prioritises benefit to people and planet and uses most of any profit to further their mission. Social enterprises contribute to reducing economic inequality, improving social justice and to environmental sustainability.

It is often the case that organisations like the NHS and local authorities that are responsible for supporting people see community connections as an opportunity to reduce the ‘burden’ on public funded services. This is not a bad thing in itself. Recognising the assets of local communities to organise and collaborate is clearly positive. 

One such way is to provide valuable feedback on health and care services in your community to improve those services for others. Find out about your local Healthwatch here.

Lots of areas are developing Neighbourhood Plans with local people looking at all the things their community needs (rather than reacting to individual proposals).

Looking to create a new community around something you’re interested in? The u3a specialist advisors will be a useful source if you are looking to create new groups in your u3a.

Repair Shops

Learn about the sustainable movement Right to Repair, working to expand people’s rights to have things repaired at a cheaper cost. This reduces waste and increases consumers rights after purchase. So don’t throw away – repair.

Self-Help Groups

These are groups that form around a shared concern about specific health conditions or as carers of others with those conditions. They are often described as lifelines, providing local knowledge on services and mutual support. You can look through a directory of self-help groups here.

Skill-Sharing Networks
Join skill-sharing networks like Timebanking UK, where members trade skills and services (e.g., teaching a craft, gardening tips, or IT support) without the need for money. It’s a great way to share expertise and learn from others.