Case Study: Annie Clewlow – Championing Accessibility and Older People’s Voices

Annie Clewlow is the Manager of Comunicare, an organisation dedicated to connecting and supporting older people across Southampton. Annie brings extensive experience in accessibility, community engagement, and advocacy, ensuring that projects are inclusive and that the voices of isolated or underrepresented communities are heard. Because of her role, Annie also was one of our Community Legends https://youtu.be/R93z-skcb1o

Annie played a critical role in ensuring inclusivity and meaningful participation:

Advising on working with older people:
- Provided guidance on accessibility, communication, and engagement methods that respect the needs of older audiences.
- Helped design activities and experiences that were welcoming and inclusive.
Ensuring accessibility:
- Offered practical solutions for accessibility challenges, from transport and mobility considerations to communication aids.
Community connection:
- Acted as a key connector during City Reflections – Illuminating Southampton Stories, helping reach isolated residents and ensuring their stories and voices were included in public celebrations.

Impact

Annie’s involvement had a direct and meaningful effect on the projects she supported:

Increased participation: Older and isolated people engaged with projects more fully, sharing stories and experiences that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Improved accessibility: Events and activities were inclusive, with practical barriers removed, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Community representation: Annie ensured that Southampton’s older residents were visible in cultural projects, contributing to a more representative and connected community.
Strengthened networks: Her connections enabled projects to reach audiences that would have been hard to engage otherwise.