Exhibition celebrates art, companionship and belonging
Published on 30 October 2026 11:53 AM
A COLOURFUL exhibition will showcase the work of older people who have taken part in a project to encourage creativity and tackle loneliness.
The Art of Belonging, co-ordinated by Age UK Bolton and Bolton Contemporary CIC, saw Bolton-based professional artists work with isolated older people to teach them arts and crafts whilst providing companionship.
Painting, ceramics, textiles and floristry classes were held in community centres. Volunteer ‘art befrienders’ also visited people’s homes for one-to-one sessions.
The free exhibition takes place at the Community Hive CIC, upper ground floor Market Place (next to The Entertainer) from 12pm to 4pm on November 10, 12,14 and 15.
While loneliness affects older people year-round, the winter period can be especially hard. Colder weather and shorter days make it harder for many to get out and see friends and family.
Lynsey Nicholson, Ageing Well Co-ordinator at Age UK Bolton, said: "Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges we're seeing for older people today. People may have health problems and struggle to get out of the house or not have any family nearby to support them. They were really the priority with this project.
“We're hope that by working with more isolated older people during the hard winter months, then will then help them get out and about into community settings, like the Ageing Well activities that we already have up and running all over Bolton."
The project was a welcome addition to Age UK Bolton's Ageing Well programme. It provides activities and social events through the Ageing Well Centre in Farnworth and across the wider community.
Rebecca Harrington, Director of Bolton Contemporary CIC, said: "I'm passionate about making the arts accessible to all. That includes our older people here in Bolton, who are some of the most vulnerable.
“This project was for people in Bolton who really need social connection. Our artists and volunteers brought creativity into their homes, bringing them into contact with others and boosting their self-confidence."
Although the project has now ended, it has been so successful that new art classes will start at the Ageing Well Centre, Cross Street, Farnworth on November 2.
Classes include The Art of Ceramics, The Art of Floristry, The Art of Painting and The Art of Textiles.
They are open to all over 50s in Bolton. Booking is essential on 01204 701525.
Age UK Bolton is always looking for befrienders to give an hour a week to chat to an isolated older person, either at home or over the phone. If you'd like to get involved, visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bolton/get-involved/volunteer/
The Ageing Well Centre runs a variety of activities, including physical activities, social events, arts and crafts and music classes. To find out more and book a place, call 01204 701525.
As a local independent charity, Age UK Bolton relies on donations to deliver services like Ageing Well. Donate today to help change how we age in Bolton.
To donate £5, text AGEWELL to 70085.
Test costs £5 plus one standard network rate message, and you'll be opting into hearing more from Age UK Bolton. If you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more, text AGEWELLNOINFO.
-ENDS-
Note to editors
A selection of photographs from the project is attached.
You are invited to the celebration event at Community Hive Galley, Market Place, upper ground floor (near The Entertainer) from 10pm to 4pm on November 13.
Media contact
Karen Doherty, communications officer.
karendoherty@ageukbolton.org.uk
01204 382411
About Age UK Bolton
Age UK Bolton is a local independent charity founded in 1947, that works with and for Bolton's older people. It provides essential services such as Information and Advice, the Home From Hospital service and Ageing Well activities. It is also an Age UK Partner and a part of the national Age UK Network, which works together to change how we age.
Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
About Bolton Contemporary
Bolton Contemporary CIC is a vibrant, community-integrated art organisation based in Greater Manchester, dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. It focuses on engaging local individuals and groups through a variety of visual arts practices, fostering both personal growth and community cohesion.