Creative Christmas Connections

Description

The Creative Christmas Connections workshops significantly enhanced social inclusion among older adults. Participants reported feeling more connected and valued and supported others to attend. The specific and more rural locations that were chosen engaged a wider cohort of the community. The activities fostered a sense of belonging and reduced feelings of isolation. Participants noted their feelings after each workshop through the evaluation processes which enabled honest and reflective feedback. The workshops facilitated the building of meaningful relationships, among the participants, staff of Kilkenny County Council and local service providers. The Age Friendly Programme successfully engaged a wide demographic through these inclusive interactive and engaging activities which led to stronger, more cohesive community connections. Overall, the initiative has successfully promoted a more inclusive and supportive environment. The qualitative data gathered has informed the programme planned for 2025.

The activities highlighted the communities’ enjoyment and desire for increased engagement.

Creative Christmas Connections Workshop Overview:
A total of 12 workshops were held in November/ December 2024 and had very positive feedback from participants. One lady brought a poem about her mother’s apron and had a selection of aprons with her. Her story was heartfelt and touching she shared being nervous to share it but that she was glad she had and felt more confident about sharing her story. Many older people brought grandchildren along to the events creating long lasting memories.
Flower Arranging Workshops
Participants learned the art of flower arranging, creating beautiful festive displays. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, providing a therapeutic outlet for participants.
Storytelling
These interactive sessions invited participants to share their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, helping individuals process their feelings and connect with others. These sessions were intergenerational with participants encouraged to bring their younger relations to the events. An illustrator was employed to create images for the participants to take home as a memento of the event.
Upcycling Paper Making Workshops
Participants engaged in sustainable practices by learning how to make paper from recycled materials. This hands-on workshop promoted mindfulness and creativity, both of which are beneficial for mental health.
Illustrating Storytelling Workshops
Participants illustrated their stories, combining art with narrative. This creative outlet encouraged self-expression and enhanced emotional well-being by allowing individuals to visualize their thoughts and feelings.
Rambling Houses with Local Musicians
This event fostered active participation of older adults in community life, local musicians providing entertainment in local halls, ensuring accessibility for all participants in a familiar and comfortable environment which reduced anxiety and encouraged participation.
All of these activities provided a high-quality experience for the participants at no cost to them to attend. The activities were mainly held in rural community centres ensuring accessibility for all and provided income for the community halls. The programme promoted respect and social inclusion by addressing ageism and ensured older people are valued members of the community with ongoing opportunities for civic participation.

Aim of Initiative

The initiative was developed by the Age Friendly Programme team, Creative Ireland, relevant delivery partners and in consultation with the Older People’s Council to address older people’s sense of social isolation. The aim was to reduce isolation, improve participation, education and empower older people to develop community connections. The workshop locations were identified across rural areas with lower levels of organised activities for older people. Accessible venues were used ensuring inclusivity for everyone. The project aims were to create opportunities for social engagement, reduce isolation and foster connections through workshops, cultural events, and recreational activities. Another aim was to promote respect and social inclusion by addressing ageism and ensuring that older adults are valued members of the community with opportunities for civic participation. Older people were employed as facilitators as often as possible.
The project improved access to information and communication channels, keeping older adults informed about available services, events, and resources in their community.
The project while completed for 2024, planning is already well underway for even more activities and events in 2025. Funding is in place to run the events in Autumn 2025 with additional workshops such as make-up lessons and a Comedy Club planned. This demonstrates the longevity and sustainability of the project.

Who is it aimed at

The project was aimed at older people in the local community and their families and friends. The focus was on rural based communities with limited access to activities for their age cohort in their area. The events took place across the North, South, East and West of County Kilkenny. The events took place in towns and villages such as Urlingford, Ballyragget Stoneyford, Mullinavat and Kilkenny City. The locations in Kilkenny City included St. Vincent de Paul, neighbourhood halls and community centres.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Engagement and Participation
   It was key to involve and consult older people in the planning and delivery of Creative Christmas Connections. It was important to ensure that the programme of activities was relevant and interesting for older people to attend.
2. Inclusive Activities
   Ensuring activities were accessible and enjoyable for everyone, consideration was given to both physical and cognitive abilities. The activities included ‘quiet crafts’ and the facilitators chosen had expertise in the area of working with people with varying abilities and ages. Accessible venues were chosen to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
3. Deliver the project and evaluate the outcome
   The project was delivered as advertised which was important to support people’s continued engagement and trust in attending Age Friendly Programme activities. The project was delivered in an environment where people felt safe, comfortable and fully accessible. The venues spanned the whole county ensuring people could access an event close to them. The villages and towns included Urlingford, Ballyragget, Stoneyford and Mullinavat. Evaluation sheets were collected at each event and comments welcomed to inform the activities for 2025. Positive feedback was received from all events.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Ensuring geographical spread and activities suitable for the older population of the specific areas. It was important that the activities took place in local areas making it easier for people to attend. At least one event took place in each of Kilkenny’s Municipal Districts.
2. Availability of appropriate artists/facilitators and accessible locations.
   Older people were employed as facilitators where possible, they enjoyed the events and shared in the conversations during the workshops.
3. The promotion of the activities to as wide an audience as possible. The activities were promoted by several modes of communication. These included newspapers, social media platforms, the employees of Kilkenny County Council, the Age Friendly Alliance members, PPN and the Older People’s Council membership.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Improved Mental Health:
   By providing a variety of workshops the Kilkenny Age Friendly Programme created opportunities for individuals to meet, interact, and build friendships, which are crucial for mental well-being.
2. Reduced Social Isolation and increased social participation:
   These workshops encouraged active participation in community life, fostering a sense of belonging and support. A quote from a participant ‘I felt included, heard and had the opportunity to share stories in a fun and relaxed atmosphere’
3. Skill Development:
   Participants gained new skills and knowledge, boosting their confidence and creativity, which can positively impact their mental well-being.