These are tips on what you can do to help make your local community a more connected one. 

Stay in touch with your older neighbours, especially those who live alone.
Did you know that in Birmingham, almost 57,000 people over the age of 65 live alone? That increases their risk of social isolation and loneliness. People don't need to be lonely. Anyone can create small moments of connection by reaching out to those who are most vulnerable. By keeping in touch with older people that you live close to, you can help build a more connected community. You can start by saying hello when you meet on the street, in the shop, by the bus stop, on your balcony or front/back garden.

1. Start an activity that can bring people together where they live.
   We set up a £500,000 community micro fund to help people start new activities in their local area. That gave us a great starting point to learn about what works, and what doesn't. Find out how to:
   • Start a new community activity
   • Keep a community group going for years
   • Make your activity inclusive
   • Get older men involved in an activity
   • Start an intergenerational activity
     
     
2. Get involved with a local organisation.
   People who live and work in your local community are best placed to understand the people and the environment in the area. They will know what's going on, who leads the grassroots community groups there and can help direct you in getting involved in different ways. We worked with many organisations in order to understand Birmingham's diverse communities. Our partner organisations were:
   
   • Age UK Birmingham, an independent local charity working to support the older people of Birmingham. 
   • Age Concern Birmingham, a local charity committed to older people and communities surrounding the city. 
   • Forward Carers, a West Midlands based carer support service who support people caring for an elderly frail, sick or disabled family member.
   • Birmingham LGBT, the city's leading charity advocating for and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham.
   • Narthex Sparkhill, a charity supporting Birmingham residents living in Sparkhill, south-east Birmingham. 
   • Compass Support, the charitable arm of the Pioneer Group that delivers services for the benefit of residents living in or near Castle Vale, northeast of Birmingham city centre.

Birmingham's Neighbourhood Network Schemes (known as NNS) help older adults lead healthy happy lives. They operate across all wards in the city. Find out more here.