In a bid to bring about positive change to as many as possible, Bournemouth University launched its initiative aimed at enhancing the health, wellbeing and social inclusion of older adults through a series of community-based activities. Dubbed the LEMONADE Project – an acronym for An incLusivE coMmunity fOod model for health wellbeiNg and sociAl connectedness of olDer pEople – the initiative proved a great success in Southwark, bringing vibrant communities closer together.  

With the blueprint of success already laid out, the project team sought out a communications partner to support the development of a resource that could inspire others to also make a lasting impact within their own communities, by sharing lessons from the LEMONADE initiative.  

We worked with researchers at Bournemouth University in collaboration with United Saint Saviour’s Charity, to translate their community-led initiative into a simple, highly visual 36-page digital and print toolkit. Visually rich and rooted in real-world experience, the toolkit aimed to empower other communities to replicate the LEMONADE model, serving as both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for creating inclusive, co-produced spaces for older adults. 

Educational resource with heart  

To reflect the heart of the original initiative, we built on LEMONADE’s visual identity in all elements of the brand project – balancing clarity and warmth through clean layouts, intuitive prompts, and thoughtful iconography. Improving access and accessibility, every effort was made to ensure the resource was as creative as it was informative, and was delivered in both print and digital formats for maximum reach. 

Working closely with the LEMONADE project team, we designed a resource packed with modular guidance and actionable advice. Each section, or module, was shaped around the real experiences of over-60s participants, covering everything from project setup and funding to volunteer management and community engagement. 

A catalyst for action 

Designed to empower others to build their own thriving community hubs, it offers practical, hands-on advice for securing funding, launching intergenerational activities, recruiting volunteers, and forging lasting partnerships with local organisations. 

With inclusion and accessibility at its core, the toolkit was delivered in accessible PDF format, with digital, clickable navigation within the resource itself, to innovatively move between modules. The resource is now being rolled out as a ‘go to’ guide for anyone looking to create inclusive community hubs for older adults.