Sharing Stories for More Inclusive Ageing
Performance Project Overview
Commencing in September 2024, the Sharing Stories for More Inclusive Ageing project was a 12-week project offering a creative lifeline for older people from Black, Asian, and other minoritised ethnic backgrounds in Sheffield and surrounding areas. Through arts-based workshops, performances, and community events, the project uses creativity as a tool to enhance emotional wellbeing, combat isolation, and build new skills.
By providing older adults with access to creative workshops, the project aimed reduce loneliness, improve emotional wellbeing, build confidence and strengthen their communication skills. The project worked towards empowering older people who are often excluded from mainstream provisions to feel valued, express their creativity, and actively participate in community life- creating a community where every older person feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
Utopia’s work formed part of the Ethnicity and Unequal Ageing research led by the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance and SADACCA. Its goal was to examine how racial and ethnic identity affects people’s experiences of ageing- especially in terms of inclusion, access to services, and wellbeing.
Two creative groups were formed as part of the project- one in Sheffield facilitated by Utopia, and one in Rotherham facilitated by ROAR (Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance) and artist Lora Krasteva. The work culminated in a celebratory performance at The Circle, Sheffield, showcasing two original pieces: Echoes of Time and Strangers No More.
The Sheffield Performance: Echoes of Time
The Sheffield group’s performance, Echoes of Time, was devised through weekly sessions led by facilitators Julius Obende, Omobolanle Akanbi, Juwon Ogungbe, and Anita Franklin.
Drawing from personal memories, cultural journeys, and shared experiences, the performance blended:
- Storytelling and spoken word
- Choral poetry and music
- Movement inspired by African and Caribbean traditions
- Reflections on identity, migration, isolation, and joy
The Rotherham Group: Strangers No More
Also featured was Strangers No More, performed by the Rotherham-based group and facilitated by Lora Krasteva and the ROAR team. Their performance offered a powerful reflection on migration, belonging, and the journey to feel at home- physically, emotionally, and spiritually, in later life.
Audience Engagement and Event Format
The event was designed to be accessible and inclusive, with creative performances followed by a facilitated audience discussion. The programme closed with refreshments and social time, creating space for intergenerational connection and further dialogue around what inclusive ageing truly means.
“It was honestly surreal watching them perform. None of them are trained actors, and many had never stood on a stage before- yet here they were, telling their stories with such power, grace, and authenticity.
As a facilitator, you hope for moments like this- where people find their voices, discover new confidence, and feel seen. The process wasn’t just about performance; it was about connection, healing, and reclaiming space. I’m incredibly proud of every single one of them.”
Participant Reflection: Sheffield group
“I would like to thank everyone representing Utopia Theatre and Sheffield University for giving this opportunity that none of us could see coming. The opportunity of expressing ourselves in a way that maybe many of us thought had passed us by. We all, with one accord, enjoyed the experience of expressing ourselves we never saw coming. God’s blessings to you all. Many thanks to Mojisola and everyone connected with Inclusive Ageing in Sheffield and Rotherham.”
Support the Project
Mojisola's Marathon: Leading the way through Lisbon!
Our very own CEO and Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem is taking on the ultimate endurance challenge- the EDP Marathon in Lisbon, Portugal! Starting in the town of Carcavelos, Mojisola will be running in order to raise funds for the Inclusive Ageing project.
The funding will strengthen the project to run for an additional 3 months, with a target of raising £3,000. This will help us to lay the foundations for a longer-term, sustainable programme.
Your support will empower older people who are often excluded from mainstream provisions to feel valued, express their creativity, and actively participate in community life.
Together, we can create a community where every older person feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
