The award-winning animations studios, Aardman and the Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) partnership have created a short film illustrating local older people’s experience of social isolation in the city, and what they can do to be less lonely.
There are an estimated 11,000 lonely older people in Bristol. BAB works with local organisations to help older people across the city live fulfilling lives. The partnership is led by Age UK Bristol and funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
The short film aims to raise awareness of the effects of social isolation among older people, but also to promote positive activities and BAB as a single point of contact for people to get involved and improve their lives.
Judith Brown Deputy Chair of BAB and Chair of Bristol Older People’s Forum said: “BAB partnership has over 130 organisations with all sorts of activities to make life more enjoyable. We wanted to reach out in a fun way to people who may not be in contact with anyone else, and invite them to contact us. Aardman used the voices of local people, and I think the film is brilliant, and will help people to be less lonely.”
Heather Wright, Executive Producer at Aardman added: “Hearing the voices of older people in Bristol talking about loneliness, helped us to understand just how easy it is for people to become lonely. They gave us real stories that touched our hearts and minds. Our job was simply to bring them to life in a memorable way whilst addressing what is undoubtedly a serious issue for us all.”
The animation will be premiered as part of the launch of the 2015 Celebrating Age Festival. which will take place at the MShed on the 27th September from 10am – 4pm. This is a free event open to everyone in the city.
The Celebrating Age Festival runs from the 27th September until the 12th October with a range of activities across the city, from achievements awards to arts competitions, and much more. This year’s programme includes activities to suit all. Please visit www.celebratingage.org.uk for more information.
