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A creative way to engage and consult with older people in Shropshire has been a picture of success, spawning a number of other projects aimed at this often-ignored group. Graham Hopkins reports.

Few would disagree that if you want to find out how to improve services for older people, a good place to start would be by asking older people themselves. But this client group, despite (or perhaps because of) its large number, proves difficult to engage effectively. Consultation takes time, effort and money - all of which seem so scarce that often tokenistic tick-boxing becomes the preferred "will that do?" policy.

The aim of Better Government for Older People is "to improve public services for older people by better meeting their needs, listening to their views and encouraging and recognising their contribution". Keen to meet this aim, Jack Collier, head of adult services in Shropshire, set up an older people's forum, which also sought to promote a positive attitude towards ageing.

One of its first projects was Dawn 'Til Dusk. Last summer, 100 disposable cameras were distributed to older people who had agreed to make a photographic record of a day in their life. The project aimed to give older people a chance to learn new skills as well as expressing their views about what affects their daily lives. Shropshire social services department contracted Bridgnorth Voluntary Action to manage the project, while securing sponsorship from partner organisations. "The arts organisations liked the idea of developing the creativity of a group often ignored by the art world," says Jane Jarman, BVA's community development manager at the time.

A local freelance photographer, Jesper Nors, was recruited to provide workshop training and support, including one-to-one for those taking part. He also spent a day on the mobile library, promoting the project in more rural areas. Nors says: "This age group is often forgotten, despite having the knowledge and experience to offer a valuable contribution to society."

The longest day of the year, 21 June 2001 - thankfully a sunny one - was the day chosen. Nors and BVA staff toured the district helping those taking part. In all 81 cameras were returned in the pre-paid envelopes. Selected photographs were used in the Dawn 'Til Dusk book and exhibition. "The images they produced were great," says Nors. Collier agrees: "The photographs give a significant insight into the priorities that older people see in their daily lives. For example, the need for help in the home, the requirement for physical exercise, healthy eating options, companionship and the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside of Shropshire."

The older people agree. "On attending the book launch it was very gratifying to see that so many people had participated," says one. "For this reason alone I think the project was very worthwhile. Anything that gets us OAPs to have a go and try something new cannot be bad." Another says that the best thing for her was that "I had to make the effort to get out".

Nearly two-thirds of those who took part said they had learned new skills, and three-quarters were keen to take part in further arts activities. Since Dawn 'Til Dusk, BVA has organised Silver Quills, keeping people in touch by writing poems and stories during the winter months, and are about to kick-off Frayed Knot, a textile work project.

"Dawn 'Til Dusk has been like doing youth work with older people, working with them to discover problems with their lifestyles," says BVA chief officer Robert Money. "The book, exhibition and postcards are a legacy, but we have not had the funds for a proper, effective follow-up and evaluation on what impact it has had on people's lives - on what has changed."

Nonetheless, with more than 2,000 images submitted as a result of Dawn 'Til Dusk, it must be gratifying to turn so many negatives into something truly positive.

- For information contact Jack Collier at jack.collier@shropshire-cc.gov.uk or for a report and evaluation of the project, contact Bridgnorth Voluntary Action on 01746 766 477 or info@bdvca.freeserve.co.uk

The names of all service users mentioned in this article have been changed.

Background

Scheme: Dawn 'Til Dusk, a photography project for older people.

Location: Shropshire.

Staffing: Development manager, freelance photographer and staff time.

Inspiration: The Shropshire Older People's Forum wanted creative ways to engage and consult with older people.

Cost: £6,500 met by Shropshire social services, West Midlands Arts, The Nationwide Foundation, Advantage West Midlands, and Bridgnorth District Arts.