Growing the Circle

Working with the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) we commissioned a series of pieces of work to investigate our differing projects to reduce social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

The initial piece of research ‘The Circle of Life’ looked at the effects of the Circle Social and practical offers on the reduction of social isolation amongst older people.

We built on this with MMU looking at ‘The Impact of the Volunteer Drivers Service’ and they also researched the effect of Volunteering with HMR Circle.

All the research identified the positive benefit the various Circle projects had in reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

What they also highlighted the need to integrate solutions to be able to have the greatest impact to help the greatest number.

In addition MMU look at HMR Circle’s response to the Covid 19 Pandemic.  

This again showcased the need and benefit of integrating offers and solutions to in effect produce a ‘menu’ of measures to support older people to remain connected and/or get re-engaged with the wider community.

 Our own research, Making a Difference shows the positive benefit of our Social offer with older people.

Our research focused, test and learn approach has allowed us to become a world leader in the reduction of social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

Our simple plan of accessible and affordable social, practical, befriending, digital and transport services, led by an engaging and exciting social offer provides the best linked solution to the problem of social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

We aim to grow our social activities, led by a broad range of food based offers including an expansion of our Lunch Club-Clubs and Dinner Drivers (Meals on Wheels), as well as the usual exciting and diverse social offering.