Tabletop Travels
The University of Bristol
Problem
As people age, they are more likely to live alone, experience declining health, and feel anxious about leaving home, leading to isolation and loneliness. These barriers prevent many from accessing arts and cultural experiences known to promote wellbeing, confidence, and social connection.
Solution
Tabletop Travels brings the world to your home through multi-sensory, artist-curated cultural experiences that connect people to the richness of European destinations without leaving the house. Each beautifully packaged box contains around ten sensory and cultural items—such as food, drink, scents, postcards, and crafts—selected by a local artist-curator. A printed booklet introduces the curator and their community, while QR codes link to video clips, music, recipes etc that bring the destination alive. Developed through co-design with older isolated people on the Connecting through Culture as We Age research project, Tabletop Travels supports wellbeing, stimulates conversation, and fosters digital confidence among older adults. The venture is now ready to scale, with three destinations built and trialled and a fourth on its way. A corporate sponsorship pipeline is being put in place to distribute boxes free through voluntary and community sector partners, and individual sales are also being sought. Any profits are reinvested to distribute more boxes for free through VCS partners.
Sustainable Development Goals addressed
Some facts:
- The concept originated from an older co-researcher who found it difficult to leave her home.
- Early trials show that using QR codes helps older adults build digital confidence.
- Each box supports both cultural wellbeing and digital inclusion for isolated older adults.
- Any profits are reinvested to further improve wellbeing in later life.
UKRN Services CIC
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The 1928 Institute
The University of Oxford
The 1928 Institute targets a lack of representation, systemic data gaps, and under-addressed discrimination facing the British Indian community.
The 1752 Group
University of York
Sexual misconduct by staff is under-reported and under-researched. Higher education institutions in the UK need to be leading the change to prevent cultures of abuse, respond effectively and without inflicting further harm, ensure robust, student-centred reporting and investigation procedures, and implement policies and procedures to eliminate the sexual misconduct of academic, professional services, contracted and temporary staff.
Tabletop R&D
Queen Mary University of London
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