The museum is celebrating after its Development Trust received a National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund.
‘Museum Meet Up’ is a programme for local people over 50 who are facing anxiety and loneliness. In recent years, this community has been particularly affected by isolation as a result of complex factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and the skyrocketing cost of living. Although people have reported to RAMM that they would like to engage more with cultural opportunities, many lack the confidence to do so without support and encouragement.
This 14-month project seeks to improve wellbeing and independence through supported opportunities to engage with cultural activities. For many people in this age group, it’s an opportunity to rebuild their own interests and identity after a period of low mood, life-changing illness, bereavement or unemployment.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will enable RAMM to continue working with a variety of community groups and a range of people. Reaching 250 participants, RAMM is delivering 12 ‘Museum Meet-Up’ sessions in the museum and three outreach sessions in community locations. These build on RAMM’s years of wellbeing experience developing a dementia-friendly programme and creating resources to support neurodivergent visitors.
The sessions offer a free, low-pressure way for people to connect with others. Facilitated by experienced creative facilitators, the 2–3-hour guided sessions 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.
Participants are recruited by dedicated mentors via Wellbeing Exeter, Age UK, and GP referrals. These mentors play an important role in being community-rooted, offering a person-centred approach, and supporting anyone feeling anxious on the day. As a kind, consistent presence, they help to create a relaxed, welcoming environment. Mentors and participants in pilot projects have already shaped the sessions, and their feedback will continue to ensure the project meets their needs
What is the National Lottery Community Fund?
The National Lottery Community Fund provide a range of funding programmes that tackle societal issues and explore new ways of doing things. The NL Community Fund distributes over £600m a year to communities across the UK, raised by players of The National Lottery. The funding is used to improve and enrich the life of people in local communities. The Community Fund has teams all over the UK who are the main point of contact for communities. They work with people to develop ideas and create opportunities for groups to come together.
