Case study: reducing social isolation and improving mental wellbeing amongst older adults in Newham

Aishah Help organised a ‘Befriending Celebration Event’ to address social isolation and promote mental wellbeing among older adults in Newham. The event sought to create opportunities for meaningful social interactions, particularly through inter-generational activities to help promote inclusivity and support participants to rebuild their confidence, resilience and sense of purpose, creating a lasting impact. By fostering a supportive community environment, the event hoped to reduce loneliness, encourage mutual learning, and strengthen community connections, equipping participants with emotional support networks and practical strategies to maintain their mental wellbeing,

The event introduced participants to the range of free digital Good Thinking resources available to support and empower them to take charge of their own mental health. This includes; free mental wellbeing apps; workbooks; ‘how-to’ guides; podcasts; blogs; and toolkits. 

The Befriending celebration event was well attended by the local community, with several notable highlights:

1. Activities that encouraged storytelling and mutual learning were particularly effective in building connections between participants. Older participants appreciated the opportunity to share their life experiences, fostering empathy and mutual respect.
2. Direct engagement with participants, including personal invitations and one-on-one interactions during events, helped create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This approach encouraged attendance and made participants feel valued, particularly those hesitant about joining.
3. Aishah Help’s Good Thinking ‘super user’ played a vital role in supporting participants. Their presence ensured a smooth experience, provided emotional support when needed, and encouraged deeper engagement from attendees.
4. Introducing participants to Good Thinking and guiding them on how to use it was a highlight. Many found it user-friendly and appreciated its accessibility, which empowered them to seek additional resources and manage their mental health independently.

Overall, the event helped to:

Tackle social isolation

By bringing together older adults in a welcoming and structured environment, the programme helped participants overcome feelings of loneliness. It created opportunities for meaningful connections and fostered a sense of belonging within the community, encouraging participants to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others.

Raise awareness of mental health resources

Many participants were previously unaware of accessible mental health tools, like Good Thinking. The event introduced these resources in an accessible way, breaking down the barrier of unfamiliarity and empowering participants to take proactive steps towards improving their mental wellbeing.

Challenge hesitation to seek help

The presence of the Good Thinking super user and clear guidance on using the Good Thinking service helped to reduce the stigma or uncertainty around seeking mental health support. Participants felt more confident about recognising when to ask for help and using tools to manage challenges independently.

1. A few participants expressed an interest in receiving professional mental health support but faced long waiting lists for counselling or therapy services. The event addressed this by providing participants with guidance on using the Good Thinking website as well as signposting attendees to alternative support services wherever possible.
2. While informal conversations about the programme were well-received, many participants were hesitant to fill out feedback forms or participate in formal evaluations. To tackle this, the event adopted a more conversational approach, gathering insights through casual discussions during and afterwards. This method felt more natural for participants and still provided valuable feedback.
3. The event was designed to provide signposting to free resources and support that attendees could access to improve their own mental wellbeing, However, some attendees required more immediate or personalised mental health assistance. Having more information on the potential services available to support people in these circumstances would have been beneficial.

The power of community in combating Isolation

Bringing older adults together for structured, meaningful activities significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and fosters lasting relationships. Participants greatly valued the opportunity to connect and share experiences, demonstrating the importance of community-focused initiatives in enhancing mental wellbeing.

Accessibility is key to inclusion

Transportation and mobility barriers were a significant challenge for some participants. Ensuring programmes are logistically accessible, including transportation support, can make a critical difference in reaching and involving the most isolated individuals.

Practical tools empower participants

Introducing participants to user-friendly mental health resources, such as Good Thinking, was highly effective. Many participants appreciated having tools they could use independently, highlighting the value of equipping individuals with practical solutions to support their ongoing mental health journey.

Ongoing Use of Digital Resources

Introducing participants to Good Thinking and other self-help tools has empowered them to manage their mental wellbeing beyond the event itself. Aishah Help will continue to promote these resources in the community, ensuring they remain a valuable support mechanism.

Collaboration with Local Partners

By working with local organisations, community groups, and volunteers and building partnerships, the momentum of the programme will be maintained, extending the impact of the event.