According to a new practical guide published today by Nesta, the UK's independent innovation foundation, and UnLtd, the social entrepreneur support organisation, the skills and experience of people in later life can play a key role in shaping new public services if they are effectively supported.
The future of retirement is changing, although people leaving the work force often feel that they are put on the scrap heap. They don't always want to follow the familiar pathway of volunteering or undertake vocational learning activities. Individuals want to continue to earn, learn and use their skills and expertise in new creative and enterprising ways.
The new "Rooted" toolkit, which will be launched at a reception in Edinburgh on Wednesday 14 November, builds on two successful practical programmes from Scotland and Northern Ireland and is designed to support socially conscious entrepreneurs in later life. The event will also include presentations from three of the projects supported in Scotland.*
Nesta's Age Unlimited Scotland programme, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has supported 27 novice older social entrepreneurs in their 50s and 60s to help turn their good ideas for improving their communities into a reality. Through group training, support, peer mentoring and micro finance, the programme reached and supported novice social innovators across Scotland to play a central role in the design, development and delivery of sustainable new community ventures. Successful projects included:
UnLtd's Ignite programme has similarly supported 120 people of 50+ to start up and scale up social ventures in Northern Ireland.
Cliff Prior, CEO of UnLtd said, "Social entrepreneurs across the UK continue to work tirelessly to bring social benefits, jobs and economic opportunities to our communities. Our Ignite programme ensured that we were able to support older people to be an active part of this rapidly growing movement and allow them to follow their passions to shape social change."
Gillian Easson, Development Manager at Nesta continued, "Nesta is excited by the partnership we have built with Unltd to develop the Rooted Guide. The guide provides clear, step-by-step practical advice and resources for those considering starting up their own social and community venture that we think can help older people become more involved in helping to design and build new services that are focussed on the needs of their own local areas."
ENDS
*- See Case Studies below
For further comment or interview please contact Graeme Downie on 07973 300 184 or at graeme.downie@nesta.org.uk
The Rooted guide can be downloaded at www.nesta.org.uk/rooted
Notes to Editors
The launch of the "Rooted" guide will take place at the Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, beginning at 5pm.
Case Studies
Hub Café - East Kilbride
East Kilbride has 22,000 people over the age of 55 living in the area; many of whom feel isolated and have few opportunities for socialising. Ena Brown runs the Hub Café in the heart of the local community with social events taking place at least once a week. The Hub now welcomes between 40 and 60 older people every Thursday for tea, coffee and cake with a variation of entertainment each week.
Better Balmedie
Better Balmedie was formed after cuts in public spending meant less general maintenance in the local environment. Rosie Nicol created the social enterprise which involves older people in improving their local environment, sharing gardening knowledge, taking exercise and a more active role in community activities and environmental projects.
Third Age Computer Fun - Edinburgh
Game-based learning is the heart of Third Age Computer Fun: a relaxed and informal computer club that helps people over 50 build their confidence and enrich their lives through learning to use computers and the internet. Over 200 people have taken part and Third Age Computer Fun now runs six Computer Clubs for the over 50's in Edinburgh.
About UnLtd
UnLtd is the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK and offers the largest such network in the world. UnLtd resources over 1,000 individuals each year through its core Awards programme.
UnLtd operates a unique model by investing directly in individuals and offering a complete package of resources; from awards of funding between £500 and £15,000 to ongoing advice, networking and practical support.
UnLtd supports individuals who have their ventures firmly rooted in delivering positive social change. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (Harding and Harding 2008) found that there were 1.7m people leading social organisations in the UK, 238,000 trying to start one, and that 35% of all nascent (early stage) entrepreneurs were starting with social ventures.
UnLtd resource community entrepreneurs to start-up; support those with more established ventures to scale up; and are committed to developing an eco-system of support to make it easier for those who need help to find it.
For more information about the support offered by UnLtd, please visit: www.UnLtd.org.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unltd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unltd
About Nesta
Nesta is the UK's innovation foundation. We help people and organisations bring great ideas to life. We do this by providing investments and grants and mobilising research, networks and skills. We are an independent charity and our work is enabled by an endowment from the National Lottery.
Twitter: @nesta_uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nesta.uk
Nesta Operating Company is a registered charity in England and Wales with a company number 7706036 and charity number 1144091. Registered as a charity in Scotland number SC042833. Registered office: 1 Plough Place, London, EC4A 1DE
T +44 (0)20 7438 2500
F +44 (0)20 7438 2501
Nesta Operating Company, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7706036 and charity number 1144091. Registered as a charity in Scotland number SC042833.
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