Make, Do and Friends
Creative get-togethers for older residents in rural areas, providing an opportunity to meet, share and learn new skills.
Introduction
Make, Do & Friends was part of our programme of work for older people in rural areas of Mid Suffolk and Babergh.
It provided a way of making and keeping connections; initially, it intended to deliver a programme of face-to-face events and creative sessions, along with our partners Rural Coffee Caravan and DanceEast, to bring people together.
During 2020 and early 2021, Make, Do & Friends offered remote sessions and face to face when it was possible. A central community was built via a designated blogsite: Make, Do & Friends blog site, offering three distinct ways of taking part
Make, Do and Friends Showreel
What inspired this project?
Make, Do & Friends was inspired by a new consortium between Suffolk Artlink, Dance East and The Rural Coffee Caravan to deliver engaging and sustainable activity to reach rurally isolated adults.
The project explored rural locations and their identities as a positive focal point to connect residents, share skills and knowledge whilst building a stronger sense of wellbeing.
Make Do and Friends has been so beneficial during lockdown, especially for those people like myself who live alone. To be able to participate in a creative venture with new people, to share our work and have a laugh makes such a difference to the day.
Project contact
Candida Wingate, Senior Project Development Officer (she/her)
Suffolk Artlink
Units 13 & 14
Malt Store Annex
The Cut, 8 New Cut
Halesworth
IP19 8BY
Telephone 07857 002974
Email candida@suffolkartlink.org.uk
Project partners, funders and supporters
Make, Do & Friends was delivered in partnership with Dance East and The Rural Coffee Caravan and was made possible thanks to generous funding and support from Arts Council England and Suffolk Community Foundation
