Www.justaddspice.org 2,400,000 Older People in the UK are Depressed* *Source: Age Concern and Mental Health Foundation inquiry into mental health and wellbeing

www.justaddspice.org

2,400,000 Older People in the UK are Depressed*

*Source: Age Concern and Mental Health Foundation inquiry into mental health and wellbeing in later life

A Growing Problem of Wellbeing


WHO found strong causational relationships between poor wellbeing and physical health, but also impacting on patients’ capacity to recover*

*Friedli, L (2009) Mental health, resilience and inequalities. World Health Organisation

Poor Wellbeing = Poor Health


1)Participation 2)Relationships 3)Age Discrimination4)Physical & Mental Health5)Poverty

Improving Wellbeing


Think Local, Act Personal

The agreement says how organisations will work together to make sure people have more choice and control over public services.

involve people and their carers in planning services that meet their needs


Still Needs focus, can we be more radical?


Co-Production?No more throw away people

1)Participatory Services 2)Two-Way Relationships 3)Assuming people can contribute


‘working with’ not ‘doing to’

Engage PeopleEngage PeopleAs ContributorsAs ContributorsNot only asNot only asCustomers Customers

1DiscoverDiscoverWhat people’s What people’s Skills, talentsSkills, talentsAnd interestsAnd interestsAre.Are.

2

Thank & Value Thank & Value PeoplePeopleFor their For their Contribution Contribution

3

*School story


How do we do this across a community?


1st Principle: “Know Your Assets”


‘Time In’ Menu

1Connect Existing Ways for People to Participate

‘Volunteering’ Community

Centres

‘Community Groups’

‘Service-UserEngagement’

2New Ways to Participate Based on People’s Skills & Interests

Practical Skills& Learning

Social &Cultural Interests

Passionate Issues &Concerns

Opportunities for Participation Are Embedded in Public & Community Services (To be Sustainable)


2nd Principle: “The 2 Way Street”


‘Time Out’ Menu

1Spare Capacity (no additional cost, or higher revenues)

2No More Freebies (something for nothing undervalues it)

Smarter Use of Existing Resources (Sustainable)

3Made with ‘Time In’ (people power)

Time at the Gym or Swimming Pool

Spare Seats at theCinema or Theatre

Music Venues / Sports Games

Trips and ActivitiesEducation and

TrainingCommunity Events

Street Festivals Carnivals

Battle of the BandsBingo Nights


Number of Active People Contributing Their Time (30 Community Projects)*

*Report ‘Spice Looking Back’ University of Wales 2008

The Result is Increased Engagement


Research Conducted by The University of Wales interviewed 120 people in 30 Communities with Spice Time Credit Systems…

66%

86%

72%

‘Had Increased Self Confidence as a Consequenceof the Timebank’

‘Had Learnt New Skills as a Consequence of the Timebank’

‘ Stronger sense of Community as a result of the timebank’

The University of Wales: ‘Spice Looking Back’ December 2008


1 Hr1 Hr

http://www.justaddspice.org/evidence.html

Documents

Www.justaddspice.org 2,400,000 Older People in the UK are Depressed* *Source: Age Concern and Mental Health Foundation inquiry into mental health and wellbeing