Hosting groups to create a sense of belonging

The Good Practice Mentor (GPM) programme brings together legacy, learning and resources from Ageing Better – a seven-year Test & Learn programme that worked to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people aged 50+, engaging more than 150,000 people across 366 projects.Since 2022, the GPM team have been sharing practical learning, skills, resources and approaches to help organisations strengthen how they reach, engage, connect and work alongside communities.While our work is rooted in learning from older people’s programmes, the approaches and support we offer are relevant across a wide range of settings, organisations and diverse communities. Our work continues to focus on building stronger community connection, reducing loneliness and social isolation, and developing more inclusive, informal and effective ways of reaching and involving people.The GPM partnership includes South Yorkshire Housing Association, Age UK Camden and Leeds Older People’s Forum, bringing together a wide range of expertise, training, bespoke support, practical tools and resources to help teams build confidence and skills, strengthen engagement approaches, amplify community voices and develop more collaborative ways of working.Please note: our regular programme of free online workshops will be taking a break over the summer, although we may still add the occasional session. To stay up to date, follow our Eventbrite page and allow notifications — that way you’ll be the first to know when something new is added.In the meantime, if you would like to discuss bespoke support for your team, community or project, we’d love to hear from you.Get in touch: GPM@syha.co.uk