Better than the Alternative Symposium: DAY 2

We wish to see a future where creative work with older people is meaningful and important, helps people to live longer and more fulfilled lives and gives people access to creative opportunities and experiences, that also has a positive impact on wider society.

We are presenting an exciting and varied line up of creative practitioners, health professionals and key contacts from academia, who will present and share best practice and new and innovative responses which highlight and address key challenges from the sector.

The 2-day event will include:

• A series of keynote speakers – who are all experts in their fields
• Interactive workshops
• Panel discussions
• Networking opportunities 
• Performances and showcases from our Prime Time members and other creative ageing projects

Confirmed presenters include:

Andy Barry – Theatre Director and Elders Programme Producer at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester

Stephen Sandford - Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board 

David Cutler – Director and Leader of its Arts and Older People programme at the Baring Foundation

Dr Georgia Bowers - Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre degree at the Guildford School of Acting, University of Surrey. 

Teri Stephenson – CEO Age UK Lancashire

This insightful event is open to all, with the programme of activity being tailored to creative professionals with an interest in health and wellbeing, health professionals, local people with an interest in the creative arts and community engagement, academic researchers and professionals in health and creative subjects, freelancers and students.  It is part-funded by the National Lottery Community fund and is a culmination of a 3-year funding term.  

*Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund we are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to individuals who would like to attend, but the cost is prohibitive.  These are strictly limited and offered on a first come first serve basis.

For further details contact:

If you wish to help others to attend this event, and your financial position allows, at the payment screen you are able to make a donation towards the cost of a ticket or are able to pay it forward.

We will be recording the key note speakers from the Rake over the 2 days, so you don't have to be here in person!

Login details will be emailed to you after the event so you can enjoy it at your leisure.

Purchase tickets to catch-up online here

Book now for an Early-Bird Discount (*tickets increase by £15 on the 9th April):

Single Day Symposium:

£15 students 

£20 Freelancers & Community members

£30 Micro organisation delegate (employs up to 4 members of staff)

£45 Small organisation delegate (employs under 15 members of staff) 

£65 Large organisation delegate (employs Over 15 members of staff)

Discounts when booking both Days:

(To purchase a 2 day ticket, please put a ticket for both days separately into your basket and then the discount will be applied at checkout)

£25 students 

£30 Freelancers & Community members

£50 Micro organisation delegate (employs up to 4 members of staff)

£75 Small organisation delegate (employs under 15 members of staff) 

£100 Large organisation delegate (employs Over 15 members of staff)

*All tickets include refreshments & lunch