We do not generally see many images of older women. Those that are available often stereotype older women as frail and dependent, as figures of fun, or as impossibly beautiful despite their advancing years. This exciting new research is looking at the sorts of images or pictures of older women we see in newspapers, on television and in magazines. We are interested in challenging some of the messages these images give out about women growing older by making new and alternative images. We then want to display these images in public venues across Sheffield.

We are a team of women of various ages, from 30 to 62 years, based at the University of Sheffield and Eventus, a Sheffield arts organisation, and we have considerable experience working with older women. We are running three series of workshops, some with community groups and others with groups of individuals, which will be run over a number of weeks. The groups will be very supportive, allowing participants to explore their feelings about ageing in a compassionate setting.

If you see yourself as an older woman, and are interested in these types of issues, then we want to hear from you. We are keen to hear about the experiences of ALL women, no matter what your background, and with no age limits!

All the workshops are FREE and we will pay all travel costs for people living in Sheffield.

If you would like an application form or more information on the project please contact Naomi Richards

Tel: (0114) 222 6405

Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield,

Elmfield, Northumberland Road, Sheffield S10 2TN