Seannachies was a contemporary reflection on the implications of an ageing society and a call to action for creative wellbeing and what it means to care in the present-day.

This research project explored the role of design innovation in promoting and enhancing community wellbeing through a networked approach. Using a participatory action research methodology the design innovation approach was embedded in creative and performative responses to social challenges, which in turn: gave voice to communities of elders; created individual and collective narratives; and shared therapeutic storytelling and practices.

Dr Lynn-Sayers McHattie led the engagement with communities of elders using asset-based approaches and multidisciplinary collaborations to develop innovative approaches to create social cohesion. The Seannachies network included academics, designers, sociologists, storytellers and policy makers. As part of the Seannachies research programme a performance entitled “Broth” was held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh in 2015 attended by a range of stakeholders and policy makers. Broth gave voice to older people, and sought to raise awareness of loneliness and social isolation in communities.