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Tabletop Travels
About Us
Based in Bristol, we’re a non-profit organisation founded on the mission of bringing the joy and discovery of travel to those who can’t.
Our curated, multisensory experience boxes are the result of detailed academic research on how to combat the growing the challenge of loneliness and isolation in older people.
Working in partnership with local guides across Europe, we carefully curate and package a range of items that reflect the rich culture and local life of well known holiday destinations across Europe.
Each box is designed to enrich through taste, smell, sharing and play and to trigger sometimes deeply buried memories of travel.
We’ve further enhanced the experience with exclusive video and sound clips designed to build basic digital skills for older adults.
Dr Helen Manchester - Professor of Participatory Sociodigital Futures, University of Bristol
‘‘Our research shows that creative and cultural experiences can significantly enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation as we age. Co-designed with older adults, this product enables meaningful engagement with the world through sensory, story-evoking activities, even when travel becomes difficult’’
Meet Our Boxes
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Athens
Capturing the essence of Athens’ rich history and culture, each element reflects Greece's storied past allowing recipients multiple ways to experience the essense of it’s profound heritage from home.
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Budapest
Budapest is Hungary’s stunning dual city on the shimmering Danube River. This collection presents a rich tapestry of sensory experiences waiting to be explored.
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Malta - Coming soon!
Our Malta box will transport recipients to this jewel of the Med. A favourite holiday destination for generations, its designed to evoke memories of travels past and to reward exploration of its layered cultural history.
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Leipzig - Coming soon!
Leipzig, Germany’s eastern cultural hotspot, will be a stimulating journey of discovery. Curated with an eye on curisoity and exploration, it’s an opportunity for recipients to learn about a new city!
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Coming Soon!
This collection is in the works, talk to us about how you can help bring it to life!
We constantly seek new locations and with your support, we aim to offer isolated older adults countless ways to experience travel from the comfort of their homes.
This project is a collaboration between Alive Activities, Bristol University and Stand + Stare and funded by Zinc & UKRI
Our Partners
The Social Isolation Challenge
Our population is ageing rapidly. Older people are more likely to live alone and suffer poor health. As a result, many experience isolation and loneliness:
The World Health Organisation estimates 1 in 4 older adults experience social isolation (1)
Age UK estimates 2M UK over 50s will be affected by loneliness in 2025 (2)
COVID has exacerbated the issue with older adults now more anxious about leaving the house. This is a problem that largely goes unseen. But even in a young and vibrant city like Bristol its there. It could be your neighbour that you never see, or an older person in the shop:
Over 12,000 people over 65 could be experiencing social isolation in Bristol alone (3)
References:
(1) https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness
(2) Age UK 2018, All The Lonely People
(3) https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/1513-jsna-social-isolation/file
Let’s Work Together to combat social isolation in and around Bristol
Thank you for reading this far. We’re looking for businesses like you to help us fund and distribute these vital boxes to as many vulnerable older adults in our community as possible. It’s imperitive we tackle this issue now - people need your support.
Reach out today to find out how you can make an impact.