We would like to let you know about an interesting healthy ageing research project that might be interesting for some of the clients you work with. The project is conducted by Cardiff Metropolitan University and funded by the NIHR. The project has been running since October as a small pilot study but we are spreading it out into other areas. Please find a summary of the project below which might help you identify whether you know of people who might like to get involved.
The ACTIF (Active, Connected and Engaged) research project is a three-and-a-half-year project with three sites across the UK, in Cardiff and the Vale, Manchester and Birmingham. It is a peer mentoring programme that aims to recruit volunteers over 55 years to support participants (over 65 years) and then work together to become more connected, active and engaged through attending existing activity groups, classes, etc. It aims to increase physical activity levels and also address isolation and social interaction opportunities.
We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
Participants:
- aged 65 or older, not in full-time work, do not have a diagnosed severe mental illness and
- being at risk of mobility disability, but are still ambulatory (can walk across a room with or without a walking aid).
We are also looking for volunteer who meet the following criteria:
Peer volunteers:
- community-dwelling older people, aged 55 years and older,
- available to volunteer in the daytime during the week.
If you think you have people who might be interested, they can get involved and signposted to us through the following routes:
- via email to zszekeres@cardiffmet.ac.uk
- via the phone by contacting Zsofia Szekeres (Research Associate) on 07442 943718
- or they can sign up online: RSVP 1 — Active Ageing Research
Some people may also receive an invitation to take part via a GP depending on where their GP surgery is located.
Please see below:
- ACE Participant Information Summary (English)
- ACE Participant Information Summary (Cymraeg)
- ACTIF Volunteer Information Sheet (English)
- ACTIF Volunteer Information Sheet (Cymraeg)
- ACTIF Volunteers Participant Flyer (English)
- ACTIF Volunteers Participant Flyer (Cymraeg)
We would be extremely grateful if you were able to identify some suitable people through your social prescribing role if you thought this would be suitable. If you have any questions please contact Zsofia via email or phone (see the contact details above). Zsofia can also send you printed copies of the attached flyers and information sheet if that’s easier for you. We can then put them in the post for you. Also if there are any groups you know of who might want to have a visit from us to find out more, please do contact us and we can arrange that.
