Mission
Tabletop Travels exists to make a meaningful difference to older people experiencing loneliness in Bristol. We work every day to bring this mission to life, ensuring we bring joy, discovery and connection to our communities.
The Social Isolation Challenge
Our population is aging rapidly. Older people are more likely to live alone and suffer poor health.
As a result, many experience isolation and loneliness:
The World Health Organisation estimates 1 in 4 older adults experience social isolation.
Age UK estimates 2 million UK over 50s will be affected by loneliness in 2025.
It is estimated that 12,000+ people over 65 could be experiencing social isolation in Bristol alone.
COVID exacerbated these issues, with older adults even more anxious about leaving the house. This is a problem that largely goes unseen. But even in a young and vibrant city like Bristol it’s there.
It could be your neighbour that you never see, or an older person in the shop.
In response to this zeitgeist, Tabletop Travels is a unique engagement initiative. A series of multi-sensory cultural travel experiences, curated by residents from major European destinations, specifically crafted for isolated older adults. Originally co-designed by older adults, we continue to use feedback and evaluation from participants to help shape our programme.
Distributed by partners in the community, together, we will end loneliness and isolation.
References:
https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness
Age UK 2018, All The Lonely People
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/1513-jsna-social-isolation/file
Our Impact So Far
500 boxes distributed to-date across Bristol.
Held tea-parties with partners to test and launch boxes bringing together older people for a some fun and the chance to connect with friends old and new.
Almost universally positive feedback among recipients. 98% of recipients at a recent tea-party either ‘loved the box’ or ‘liked it’.
While we love our stats at Tabletop Travels, the real impact is the joy and connection these boxes brings. Listen to the wonderful Carmen tell us about a box she recieved….
“It’s a very kind thing, I feel much better with it.”
“It made me feel more connected with people I know. It made me feel someone was thinking about me’’
‘‘I loved the egg holder! It’s a treasure!’’
“It brought up special memories and my brother was talking about the food we had. It was lovely”
