Lessons from The Attic Project: Creating Spaces That Truly Support People
Heather Howarth shares her visit to The Attic Project. Their approach to building belonging, confidence, and connection offers valuable lessons for our Connect project in Barking & Dagenham.
At Care City, we’re always looking for inspiration from great community-led initiatives. Last week, our intern from The Manchester Metropolitan University, Heather, attended a meeting with The Attic Project in Bury—a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting people in need. Their work aligns closely with the themes we’re exploring in Connect, our project tackling social isolation in Barking & Dagenham.
Heather spoke with Attic Project participants about what makes their space so meaningful and what keeps people coming back. Here’s what she learned:
How do we create spaces where people leave feeling better than they arrived?
- The Attic Project is a lifeline for many of its members, with some attending for over 11 years. The sense of belonging and acceptance among members is remarkable.
- It gives them something to look forward to. For some, it’s their only regular social interaction.
- It’s a family. They relate to each other’s experiences and support one another.
- It offers a sense of responsibility. Members help run the group—taking the register, organising charity events, and assisting with food bank efforts.
- It builds confidence. People who once stayed indoors are now joining other clubs, taking courses, or even changing their lives completely.
- One-to-one support makes a difference. The organisers offer personal support—helping with bills, medical letters, and appointments—reducing stress and improving well-being.
- Digital Buddies combat isolation. A woman with severe OCD, who sometimes struggles to leave her home, stays connected through phone conversations with familiar people, ensuring she still feels part of the community.
How do we create activities with ‘magnetic pull’ that keep people coming back?
The Attic Project keeps things simple but engaging—offering activities that are fun, varied, and low-pressure:
- Games & activities: Bingo (with prizes!), Jenga, and Scattergories keep sessions light and interactive.
- Regular outings: The group goes out for meals every three months, walks around the lake, and even a weekly chip shop visit on Thursdays!
- Digital Buddies: Volunteers train to offer informal digital support, helping members gain confidence online while also providing social connection.
- Sustainable funding: The Attic Project is funded by The National Lottery, government grants, and generous public and corporate donations—keeping this vital space going.
What This Means for Connect
Hearing these experiences reinforced how trust, familiarity, and a sense of ownership make spaces like The Attic Project thrive. It’s given us valuable insights into how Connect can learn from, build on and adapt these approaches to ensure people in Barking & Dagenham feel just as welcomed, supported, and empowered.
If you’re interested in this work or have ideas for tackling social isolation, get in touch. We’d love to learn and share our learnings.
