Case study (Group) - Activities - Upstream

Case study (Witheridge Group)

Starting up: An Upstream group in Witheridge, an isolated farming village, has been self-sustaining for 2 years. Mentors made contacts in the community and with the GP surgery to identify older people who might feel more isolated or vulnerable. They visited people at home to learn about their interests and encourage them to share their experiences with others in similar situations. Many had multiple disabilities and sensory impairments associated with age.

Getting established: A group of 7 or 8 people met weekly for 4 months with regular mentor support. Early meetings were in the local pub; now they meet in a small community hall. At first, some people knew no-one and no-one knew everyone. Several were reticent about joining in discussion and activities but all were surprised at the varieties and similarities of their backgrounds. Over the weeks, they were introduced to photography, painting, writing, recording memories on tape, making music, and gentle exercise. They encouraged each other as they learnt new skills, some began to phone each other between meetings and if they were concerned at someone’s absence, they shared anxieties and practical tips on how to cope with their problems, and continued their creative activities at home to fill the often empty hours.

Becoming independent: Knowing that mentor support would gradually diminish, they expressed a strong desire to continue and planned how they might manage in future. The group now organises its own meetings, learning new skills from ‘artists’ or invited health professionals, having a social lunch or enjoying an outing. Numbers have fluctuated but the group is still viable. Mentors maintain contact on an occasional basis to give advice, suggest new activities, help with small grant applications (the group has its own simple Constitution) or encourage support from the parish council.

Making a difference: The group has made a huge difference to people’s lives. The problems that most of them faced at the beginning should not be underestimated. They have grown in self-confidence and positive motivation. By their own efforts, they have improved the quality of their lives and their mental well-being. They are better able to cope with life and contribute to their community. Here is what two members have said:

(A) “Upstream has given me and all the group who meet in Witheridge the encouragement and motivation to keep going. With their help we overcame doubts and have tried things we would not have thought of before. They helped us make the friendships that continue to grow. Although we have a lot of our own ideas now, the continued encouragement, if we need it, makes us look forward and ‘have a go’. On days when aches and pains are bad it gives me something else to think about. Today I am going to a health farm for three days, before Upstream I do not think I would have considered it.”

(B) “What makes our group special is that we are not as large as others. Over two years we have come to know each other's background without it being intrusive. We can say anything to each other now, make each other laugh, moan, and share anything. It will not go further. When we are doing other things we are always talking and laughing. We think of what we can take to show or do with the others. We look forward to our time together. Planning treats every few months is fun and gives us something to look forward to. If we are not well there are people who understand. We cheer each other up. To think we did not know each other before!”

Sample profile:

Within a period of 12 days, one lady broke her wrist, had a cataract operation and her 83rd birthday but missed only one meeting and was determined to master new skills because she had never had the opportunity, encouragement or friendship before. Going to the group also made her resolve to have a hearing aid: she had not felt the need before but other participants encouraged her. At first she was inhibited by her Devonshire accent but expanded when everyone said it was special. She completed all the shots in the camera provided by Upstream, which delighted her and surprised her family.