An underpinning principle of Ambition for Ageing is that a series of small changes within our communities will bring large scale success. Our research on microfunding has shown that a small pot of money can generate significant change within a neighbourhood.

The purpose of Supporting Ageing in Place is to make places more age-friendly and encourage older people to spend time with others and build social connections, especially those from marginalised and low income communities.

The projects, each worth up to £2,000, are being delivered in the following neighbourhoods:

• Gorton (Manchester)
• Old Moat and Withington (Manchester)
• St James’ (Oldham)
• Kirkholt (Rochdale)
• Swinton (Salford)
• Reddish (Stockport
• Clifford (Trafford)
• Wigan North (Wigan)
• Bury East (Bury)
• Stalybridge (Tameside)
• Farnworth and Kearsley (Bolton)

These areas were identified by Local Authorities as part of the GM Ageing Hub's ‘Ageing in Place’ programme which had been developed prior to the pandemic. We are able to support this work thanks to an extension of our funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Summer 2021 – Winter 2021

Building on our work in Winter 2020 (detailed below), an additional £200,000 was available for groups and organisations working with older people in the listed neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester.

The full list of projects funded in the first and second round of Supporting Ageing in Place is available here. All projects are due to end by 31st December 2021.

Winter 2020

Between September 2020 and February 2021 we invested £5,000 into each of the ten local areas of Greater Manchester; Bury, Bolton, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. Click here to view these investments.

Following a difficult year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many projects aimed to bring people together for the first time albeit socially distanced. In Gorton, Clowes Street resident’s association coordinated a Christmas doorstep singalong thanks to the funding, for residents on an estate in West Gorton. Residents had a wonderful time feeling part of a connected and inclusive project, which provided some nice memories of the festive period after a hard year.

Digital inclusion was also a key project theme for many; after a year of limited in-person interactions, many were keen to learn new skills and find new ways of connecting. Thanks to the funding, Mary from Reddish was able to take part in Tablet training. She said;

“At the age of 88 I never thought I would be able to access or use my tablet to such extent and learn the many practical uses it has. This will make my quality of life so much easier. I’m so glad I enrolled on the course as was a little nervous in doing so, but Stuart who ran the course made me feel at ease.”

Mary is now also able to access YouTube where she enjoys watching gardening tutorials.