A heart to heart ... To create the Age Better in Sheffield Beauchief and Greenhill ward Neighbourhood toolkit, we’ve come together to talk about living here. You’ve told us about the communities of Batemoor, Beauchief, Greenhill, Jordanthorpe, and Lowedges. You’ve celebrated the community groups and activities on offer, and that the ward is a third green space, filled with parks, allotments, and woodlands. You’ve described how your favourite places have changed, for good and bad. You’ve praised your favourite shops, libraries and cafes.
... about your hometown
What’s in the box?
This Neighbourhood Toolkit includes a number of items to aid you getting out and about, and to help fly the flag for Age Better in Sheffield: -A souvenir tea towel -A set of souvenir postcards Send one to connect with a friend or post to a neighbour to introduce yourself. -What’s On In Your Ward Your guide to what’s on in Beauchief and Greenhill ward -A Good Neighbour Lives Here How to look after yourself and others. -Invitation to a special event
About Age Better in Sheffield Age Better in Sheffield is a cross-city, six-year partnership (funded by the Big Lottery Fund and led by South Yorkshire Housing Association) to work with people aged 50+ to reduce isolation and loneliness across Sheffield. There is a range of exciting Age Better in Sheffield projects across the city for you to get involved in, and plenty of volunteer opportunities to help you take action. Get in touch and get stuck in to this toolkit to find out details!
We’ve learned about what you love and what you’d like to change. And, as in the rest of Sheffield, we know that isolation and loneliness in the ward is a significant issue – particularly for those aged 50 and above. Want to know what’s on offer, right on your doorstep? Or need some inspiration on how you can stop loneliness on your street? This toolkit is distributed to 7000 homes around the Beauchief and Greenhill ward, and contains some useful bits and pieces to help you out. Go on, take a peek at what else is inside!
This toolkit will... - Help you spot the signs of causes of loneliness and isolation. - Provide tips of how to keep yourself happy and healthy, and how to look out for the wellbeing of others, too. - Show you what you can do to reduce loneliness in your community (and the local services, and Age Better in Sheffield projects, that you can join forces with!)
here are many reasons why we can become isolated or lonely. You’ve shared your thoughts on the triggers that can lead to someone feeling lonely or isolated, and the signs to spot in yourself and others.
Big changes to our lives, like retirement, greatly increases the risk of loneliness. If you are about to retire, why not chat to an Age Better Champion about putting some things in place to help ease the transition?
59% of adults aged over 52 who report poor health say they feel lonely some of the time or often, compared to 21% who say they are in excellent health (Beaumont, 2013). By feeling our best, and looking after our own physical and mental wellbeing, it’s easier to take part in all the brilliant things going on in the Beauchief and Greenhill ward.
Are you new to the area? Moving home can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Not knowing what’s going on locally, or where to get help and support, (or even the best place to get a good pint!) can quickly incite feelings of loneliness.
YOUR WELLBEING CHECKLIST Does your family live away?
Are you a carer?
Research by the Royal Voluntary Service showed that how close an older person lives to their children, and how often they see them, has an impact on how isolated and lonely they feel. Older people who see their children once a month or less are twice as likely to feel lonely than those who see their children every day.
Research by Carers UK found that 8 in 10 carers have felt lonely or isolated as a result of caring for a partner or family member.
“We’re both carers, and I think that’s why we get on - we know how each other feel. We know that sometimes you have to drop everything and just go, it doesn’t matter what plans you’ve made.”
Have you stopped driving recently? Or do you need help to navigate Sheffield’s transport?
Have you been recently widowed, separated or divorced?
Being unable to drive - for financial or health reasons - and cuts in transport services greatly increase the risk of becoming isolated or lonely.
63% of adults aged 52 or over who have been widowed, and 51% of the same group who are separated or divorced, report feeling lonely some of the time or often. (Beaumont, 2013).
“We’d like to go on trips to the theatre or to a pantomime, but we find it difficult to use the bus to get there.”
Have you been experiencing health problems?
“Sometimes it’s difficult to fill your day.”
Have you, or someone you know, experienced one or more of these triggers? If so, there is a greater risk of becoming isolated or lonely.
“I had 18 Christmases on my own.”
Do you plan to retire soon? Or are you already retired?
“My partner passed away 13 years ago this December. I love coming here to volunteer and meet new people.”
“Your body starts to deteriorate and you’re frightened of hurting yourself… which is why it’s important – but more difficult - to stay active.”
“I was given a house just up the road… I didn’t ask to live here.”
Three ways to look after yourself and others.
1
If you’ve experienced any of these triggers, you’re at greater risk of becoming isolated or lonely. Take action early! You could talk to someone you trust, get involved with an Age Better project, or get in touch with Age Better in Sheffield.
2
Keep an eye out for others. Has a friend or neighbour showed signs that they are lonely, or are at risk of becoming isolated? Let them know you’re there for them, and that this toolkit has loads of information about local activities and support.
3
Do you love living in the Beauchief and Greenhill ward, and want to do something for people in your community that are feeling lonely? Volunteer for an Age Better in Sheffield project. Just have a look through this toolkit or get in touch to find out more.
5 ways to be a good neighbour We all tend to think it’s the big things that make the difference, when actually it’s the small things that can matter the most.
GOOD NEIGHBOUR ASSIGNMENT GOOD NEIGHBOUR ASSIGNMENT
Would you like to be more connected to your community, but feel like you need an ‘excuse’ to go out and talk to your neighbours? Have a go at an Age Better assignment! We’d love for to share what you’ve done, and to inspire others to do the same. By completing an assignment, you’ll be doing something positive for both yourself and for others. You’ll also be part of what makes Beauchief and Greenhill ward a brilliant place to live, to explore, and to grow older in.
#4 Random act of kindness Do a small act of kindness to surprise someone on your street. You could invite them round for a cup of tea. Write them a postcard. Clear their driveway of snow or leaves.
#1 Take a selfie with your neighbour Even if you don’t know who lives next door, it’s a great excuse to go round and introduce yourself! Why not have a catch up and a cup of tea while you’re at it?
GOOD NEIGHBOUR ASSIGNMENT
#2 Be a gardening hero Find a garden that looks like it might need a bit of love, and offer your services for a few hours. There are lots of opportunities with Sheffield Wildlife Trust to work your magic in local parks and allotments, too!
Who do you think deserves a big thank you in Beauchief and Greenhill ward? Let us know who (and why!) for the chance to win a beautiful bunch of flowers to give to them!
Share your assignments with us!
GOOD NEIGHBOUR ASSIGNMENT GOOD NEIGHBOUR ASSIGNMENT
#5 Thank you
#3 Go to an activity you’ve never been to before, or visit a new part of the ward If you’d rather not go by yourself, take a friend or neighbour with you! Age Better Access Ambassadors are happy to give you a hand getting around Sheffield, too.
Write a few words, or share a drawing or photograph, to let us know how you’ve got on. Contact us: @AgeBetterSheff Age Better in Sheffield Email: toolkit@syha.co.uk Call: 0114 2900 250 Send us a postcard (included in your toolkit box!)