New Dorset project to hear from people ageing without children

Dorset Council and Help and Kindness are working together on a new project to better understand the experiences of people who are ageing without children, so that future information, services and community support can reflect the different ways people live and age in Dorset.

There are many reasons why someone may be ageing without children, and no single experience is the same. The project wants to hear from people with a range of life stories and circumstances, including those who never had children, people whose family relationships have changed over time, and those who may not have children available to provide support as they get older.

By understanding these experiences, Dorset Council and Help and Kindness hope to ensure that services and communities continue to meet the needs of all residents as they age. The project is careful not to assume that ageing without children is, in itself, a problem. Many people live rich, independent and connected lives without relying on children for support. Instead, the work will listen to people’s experiences, strengths, priorities and ideas, while exploring whether there are barriers or gaps that could make it harder to find support when it is wanted or needed.

 

People will be able to take part in ways that suit them, including one-to-one and group conversations, face to face, online or by telephone. Their experiences will help build a clearer picture of ageing without children in Dorset and identify what already works well, as well as where improvements may be helpful.

 

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council portfolio lead for Adult Social Care,said that by the mid-2040s, there will be many people aged in their 70s and 80s who do not have children. Nationally, a higher proportion of childless older people receive a type of formal care than those with children. This suggests that an increase in childlessness at older ages in the future will lead to increased demand for formal care.

“ People’s lives, relationships and support networks are different, and our services need to recognise that. This project is about listening carefully, without making assumptions, to people who are ageing without children and understanding what matters to them.

“By working directly with residents, the national Ageing Without Children charity and Help and Kindness, we hope to build on people’s strengths and independence, make useful information and support easier to find, and ensure lived experience helps shape our wider Age Friendly Dorset work.”

The findings are intended to have practical value. Potential outcomes include better ways of identifying and engaging with people ageing without children, increased awareness among organisations and frontline staff, easier access to information about services and peer support, and resources that can help inform future policy and service design.

The project will also explore opportunities for stronger networks and connections where people want them. These will include networking with local or interest-based groups across Dorset as well as online meetings and feeding into newsletters.  Participants will be involved in shaping the project, reviewing its findings and helping develop information and materials.

 

Jon Sloper, founder and director at Help and Kindness, said: “This is about creating something with people, not about people. We want to hear the full range of experiences, including what helps people live well, the networks and relationships they have built, and anything that could make planning for later life easier.

“Those conversations can help us identify useful support that already exists, highlight good practice and understand where people might value new connections or better information. Just as importantly, we want people who take part to be able to see how their contribution has influenced the work.”

The project will feed into Age Friendly Dorset and is expected to strengthen links with the national Ageing Without Children network. Findings will be shared with participants and Dorset Council, with the aim of keeping people with lived experience involved as the work develops.

People do not need to be experiencing difficulties or looking for support to take part. Dorset Council and Help and Kindness are keen to hear from anyone who recognises themselves as ageing without children and would like to share their experience, ideas or priorities.

 

Notes to Editors

If you would like to know more or join the conversations please contact Jon Sloper at Help and Kindness: [email protected] or 01305 59 59 58 or find out more - Ageing Without Children In Dorset (AWOC)