New TBE phone group for older people

Over the last year, through funding from the City Bridge Trust, we have been extending our work with older people by investigating new methods that can bring architectural and built environment learning to people who are isolated or less mobile.  

Over the past months we have run virtual walking tours and have delivered creative activities at day centres and to other older peoples groups. Now we are really excited to be extending this work further, through a partnership with Community Network.

The Senior BEE's discussing High Street 2012

Community Network have introduced us to some fantastic technology, which enables groups of people to form phone groups and have discussions, using technology similar to that which is used by businesses in telephone conferencing. The great thing about this is that group members are able to take part using their own home phone. This means that if people find it difficult to leave their house, they can still participate in discussions and some of the activities we offer to groups like the Senior BEE's.

Last week Lizzie learnt how to be a phone group facilitator. She said;

"The training was delivered as a phone group, with two other people who were also being trained at the same time as me. I was surprised how easy it was to get used to saying my name before I spoke (so everyone knows who is talking) and how quickly I developed a phone friendship with the other participants. I also loved learning lots of theory about group development and dynamics"

The Building Exploratory phone group will launch in October. If you, or someone you know may be interested in taking part please contact Lizzie at projects@buildingexploratory.org.uk