Kissing it Better

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been running Zoom comedy drama groups for older people. What started as a simple idea to lift lockdown loneliness has turned into an ongoing programme that gives older people the chance to learn new skills and meet new friends … all from the comfort of their own home.

We’re thrilled to say that we’ve received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2022 for our work in South Warwickshire. This prestigious award – known as the MBE for volunteer groups – recognises outstanding work by volunteers to benefit their local community.

Kissing it Better’s unique scheme lets you gain valuable volunteering experience remotely – and when rules allow, face-to-face – perfect for your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award & UCAS statement. Taking part in our programme will also boost your CV and enhance your understanding of the challenges of healthcare, especially linked to the care of older people.

Children’s art can make you marvel, make you laugh and make your day. Now that joy is lighting up a ward at Warwick Hospital, thanks to local schoolchildren.

Happy New Year, Kibbers! Before we launch headlong into the new one, let’s take a moment to look back at just some of the highlights of 2021. In no particular order, here are some of the things that made us smile last year.

Since the very first lockdown, we’ve been working hard to make sure that our students could still make a difference to the lives of isolated older people. It’s been a huge challenge, but we’ve learned a lot. Now we’ve made a short film looking back at what we did and how we did it. Thanks to the thousands of young people who who joined in – this film is dedicated to you.

In Yorkshire, we’re running a unique creative project, funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery. The scheme is bringing music, drama, companionship and joy to older people across the region.

To mark World Poetry Day, KiB students have been lighting up lockdown for older people by creating original poems on the theme of happiness. The result is a collection of wonderful works full of hope and human connection.

Many people wrote to say they enjoyed the BBC News story about our intergenerational Zoom sessions – particularly the bit where children showed off their pets.  We’re thrilled to say that Dame Judi Dench was one of them. She was inspired to send us a clip of her new parrot, Sweetie, to share with our students. We’ve already had an amazing response to this clip. Thank you Dame Judi!

Covid has caused untold loneliness, suffering and separation. But for many older people, the experience of spending long periods alone is nothing new. KiB students interviewed older friends and loved ones to uncover astonishing stories of isolation and loneliness from the past. The result is a new book called In My Day. It’s a gripping read – buy it for someone you love this Christmas!