Case study
Gentleman’s Group: Inviting older men into the museum
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) and Age UK collaborate to create a gentleman’s group for elderly men where they can find some intellectual stimulation through the museum’s artefacts.
The challenges
- Isolation is a serious problem among older people.
- Men are less likely to get involved in engagement opportunities unless they are targeted directly.
- Older people often have transport needs.
- How can lifelong learning be further integrated into what RAMM has to offer?
The background
RAMM has found that lightly structured conversations stimulated by objects in a lively and informal setting work well for older people. The team wanted to build on this model, and its successful partnership with Age UK, to extend its outreach to older men. Research for organisations such as the Big Lottery Fund and the Young Foundation explains that men are often underrepresented in cultural engagement projects unless they are targeted, sometimes because they are reluctant to seek help, and because few men are visible in many outreach services.
The project
RAMM staff and volunteers took handling objects to a group of 10 older gentlemen who had indicated they were interested in intellectual stimulation, and who were identified by Age UK as isolated. Over six sessions, the group covered a range of topics, including World War Two, and local finds from the archaeological and natural sciences collections.
What changed?
RAMM had not previously worked with this specific audience. Most of those who took part said they had met like-minded people. All of the participants said they enjoyed this pilot project and wanted it to continue in some format.
What did people say?
“I enjoyed it.” Participant
“I learned that stimulating the mind is good for you.” Participant
What next?
This was a powerful and valuable experience for those taking part. Age UK Exeter managed to secure funding – from donations of pensioners’ winter fuel allowances – to continue. The project, called the Museum Group, focuses on local history and uses a pub for its meetings.
For further information
Please contact Ruth Gidley, RAMM Engagement Officer: [email protected].
