The National Centre for Writing is pleased to announce that we have received £12,500 from The Health Lottery Foundation. This will be used to run free, welcoming sessions for older residents in Norwich throughout 2027/28 – significant as Norwich has been identified by Age UK as one of the UK’s loneliest cities.
Responding to local needs, we use shared storytelling and writing to reduce loneliness, build confidence and strengthen social connections.
In 2025/6, 182 older people attended workshops with the National Centre for Writing; 84% learnt new skills, and 93% rated the experience 8+/10.
Forthcoming activities will take place at Norwich’s Literature House, Dragon Hall, and in community settings. Building on the impact of existing drop-in writing sessions, memoir writing and food-based activity for older residents, we welcome this new support, which has been given thanks to players of The Health Lottery.
‘I’ve gained confidence from the group and all that I’ve done in Dragon Hall, it has given me the confidence to develop other things in my life, to bring others together’
National Centre for Writing’s Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Jacqui Mackay is looking forward to using the money awarded to extend the breadth and depth of older residents’ storytelling and writing opportunities:
‘This support will give older people in Norwich welcoming spaces to write, connect, and be heard. Everyone has a story to tell. We’ve seen firsthand how empowering this can be for all ages and look forward to helping more people build confidence and reduce isolation through the discovery or re-discovery of their creativity.’
This support will give older people in Norwich welcoming spaces to write, connect, and be heard.
This grant was awarded to the National Centre for Writing as part of The Health Lottery Foundation’s drive to support adults over 25 taking part in arts and activities to improve health and wellbeing.
The purpose of The Health Lottery is to raise money to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Britain.
Delva Patman, Chief Executive of The Health Lottery Foundation, explained:
‘Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £512,740 will now be distributed to 29 organisations across Britain, making a tangible difference to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in England, Scotland and Wales. We are thrilled to be working with this project and look forward to sharing more about their achievements over the next few months.’
Health Lottery players have raised over £136 million for good causes over the past decade.
Visit www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk to find out more.
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