Ageing Better was a seven-year (2015-2022), £84 million programme set-up by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Ageing Better partnerships were based in 14 locations across England, from Torbay to Middlesbrough and the Isle of Wight to East Lindsey. Working with local people, charities, businesses, public sector services and voluntary groups, the Ageing Better partnerships explored creative ways for people aged over 50 to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. Ageing Better was one of five major programmes set up by The National Lottery Community Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aimed to make people’s lives healthier and happier.

Each partnership worked with the strengths and assets of older people and their local communities. Project activities were co-designed and delivered and older people were driving decision-making and governance. Partnerships took a ‘test and learn’ approach. This gave them the flexibility to try out a range of approaches. It also meant recognising and sharing when things hadn’t gone as intended, as well as when they had been successful, to create practical learning for others. Using this learning, the programme aimed to improve how services and interventions to tackle loneliness are delivered, and ultimately contribute to an evidence-base to influence future service development.”

National Lottery Community Fund