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RAMM to launch ‘Museum Meet Ups’ to tackle loneliness in over-50s

Image: RAMM Engagement Event - Jim Wileman 2024

12 ‘Museum Meet Up’ sessions will engage groups of locals in sessions of object handling, crafting, and tours.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) has announced a new programme for local people over 50 who are facing anxiety and loneliness.

The Exeter City Council museum will begin a 14-month project which seeks to improve wellbeing and independence through supported opportunities to engage with cultural activities.

Known as ‘Museum Meet Ups’, the museum’s Development Trust will fund the project with recently awarded funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund.

The session have been created after the museum said that while people reported a willingness to ith engage more with cultural opportunities, many “lack the confidence to do so without support and encouragement”.

Ruth Gidley, RAMM Engagement Officer, explained: “A little bit of learning, inspiration or beauty goes a long way to nourish our brains and remind us who we really are today. When people connect with objects – thinking about the places and people behind them – it often creates a feeling of being grounded on the planet and in the community.”

The programme seeks to better engage locals aged 50 and above, who it says have been particularly affected by isolation as a result Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in the cost of living.

Participants will be recruited by dedicated mentors via Wellbeing Exeter, Age UK, and GP referrals.

Mentors and participants in pilot projects have already shaped the sessions. Facilitated by experienced creative facilitators, they will consist of a two- to three-hour guided session which will include activities such as object handling, museum tours, and crafting.

“The aim is to build participants’ confidence so that they feel comfortable to continue engaging with culture after the project has ended, further encouraged by the distribution of café vouchers,” RAMM said.

The programme is set to reach 250 participants through 12 ‘Museum Meet-Up’ sessions in the museum and three outreach sessions in community locations.