Consequently, the Age-friendly Cheshire West partnership was established, which aims to continually improve the lives of older people living in the Borough.

After a small hiatus in activity due to COVID, The Engine Room was commissioned, by Cheshire West and Chester Council and the University of Chester, to facilitate a series of workshops for the partnership, involving key local stakeholders and a number of representatives of people in later life.

Using design thinking methodologies, we looked at key challenges, reviewed opportunities, developed and prioritised ideas, and subsequently created visual action plans.

A fun-filled and action-packed 3 days resulted in a refocus for the steering group, reinvigorating the teams and creating real energy and enthusiasm across the stakeholders.

Since the workshops, both the Council and the University have gone on to adopt the design thinking tools and methodologies that they were exposed to during the workshops. They are now using them internally to address other challenges faced by their organisations.