A collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to implementing a social prescribing initiative to alleviate social isolation and enhance well-being amongst older people

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Killbery Wilkinson ◽  
Amanda Lees ◽  
Sarah Weekes ◽  
Gillian Duncan ◽  
Geoffrey Meads ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Early Evaluation ◽  
Social Prescribing

PurposeIn 2019, St Johns Winchester, a CQC-registered charity, launched the Hand in Hand (HiH) Service, a social prescribing (SP) initiative to alleviate social isolation/loneliness amongst older people via integration between primary care and the third sector. Arising from collaborative stakeholder reflection, this article explicates processes instigated to plan, implement and evaluate the HiH service which has been locally recognised as an exemplar of good practice. It aims to fill a gap in the literature which has hitherto lacked contextual description of the drivers, mechanisms and processes of SP schemes, leading to confusion over what constitutes SP and which models can work.Design/methodology/approachThe article defines the context of, drivers for and collaborative process followed to implement and evaluate HiH and reflects on challenges, facilitators and key points for transferable learning. Early evaluation findings are presented.FindingsKey features underpinning the success of the pilot phase were: having clear referral pathways, working collaboratively with health and voluntary sector partners, building relationships based on trust, adherence to high-quality standards and governance, a well-trained team of volunteers and access to up-to-date information source. There remains a disparity between the urgent need for rigorous evaluation data and the resources available to produce it.Originality/valueThe article offers a novel contribution for those planning SP at the level of practice and policy and for the developing field of SP evaluation.

The Silver Line Helpline: a “ChildLine” for older people

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Emily Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Telephone Helpline ◽  
Specialist Services ◽  
Silver Line

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of the new, free telephone helpline The Silver Line in empowering older people to overcome social isolation and loneliness, and where appropriate refer cases of abuse and neglect to specialist services. Design/methodology/approach – Beginning with a family member's description of how the helpline made a difference to her relative this paper then outlines the rationale, methods and outcomes of The Silver Line, including a role it may play in reducing demand for NHS services. Findings – The paper highlights that social isolation and loneliness can be tackled through a helpline which leaves control firmly in the hands of callers while offering them a gateway to activities and services. Practical implications – It seems that telephone contact is a particularly helpful way for isolated people to begin to build social contact given that there is evidence of a stigma associated with admitting to loneliness. Social implications – Given a straightforward way to connect to others, people are empowered to overcome their own loneliness, improve their well-being and sometimes to rejoin their community. The charity reports that callers to the helpline may themselves become volunteer befrienders (“Silver Line Friends”) providing support to others and gaining evidence of their own value to society. In addition, a friendly chat over the phone can be an enabling link to gaining new skills, such as computer literacy, which may otherwise seem out of reach or irrelevant. Originality/value – The paper emphasises the importance of this helpline specifically and the wider need for hard to reach, isolated older people to have an accessible stepping stone to greater social contact and a higher quality of life.

scholarly journals Exploring the Care Act’s potential for anti-discriminatory practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Crossland
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
And Control ◽  
Provision Of Care

Purpose – The planning and provision of care for older people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities is an increasing challenge to traditional welfare systems. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of the newly implemented Care Act 2014 in England for developing an anti-discriminatory approach. Design/methodology/approach – The review draws on existing research and conceptual literature to identify how key provisions of the new act can be interpreted in light of current knowledge. Findings – Overall the provisions of the Care Act lend themselves well to positive interpretation in relation to the needs of older LGBT people and their support networks. A potential tension, however, arises in the locality focus of the legislation that could constrain good practice with geographically dispersed communities. There is also a need to challenge both heteronormative and ageist assumptions that lead to older LGBT people remaining unrecognised. Practical implications – Applied with imagination and commitment, the provisions of the new act could enable new forms of person-centred care to emerge to support older LGBT people. Social implications – Social workers are in a key position to influence how the Care Act is interpreted and applied in practice and can act as change agents for a societal move towards older LGBT people having greater choice and control over their well-being. Originality/value – This review presents examples of how the provisions of the legislation can be utilised to support positive change for older LGBT people.

Because it’s there …

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Richards ◽  
Anne Morris ◽  
Stewart Greenwell
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementing Change ◽  
Being There

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the strategic role of third-sector agencies, with a history that often left them “sidelined” by the public sector, showing how all agencies involved can be respected and trusted, with conflicts of interest around commissioning services well managed. It highlights how power differentials between agencies/sectors influence behaviour and how a voluntary council can promote the voice of users and carers. Design/methodology/approach A case study considering the nature of voluntary sector activity in Cwm Taf, referring to learning from elsewhere, confirming and challenging the experience. It draws on the experiences of two key third-sector workers and draws on local survey data, as well as the experiences of community co-ordinators. Findings The importance of “being there” in policy development, implementing change and taking action; “being at the top table” was critical in developing a stronger third sector and user voice, supporting the ambitions of Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Third-sector agencies have been good and mature partners, honest brokers/commissioners, completer/finishers and critical friends. Originality/value Power and influence are significant in changing the way that older people receive a different offer – not, “what can we do for you?”, but, “help us to understand what will make a difference to your life”. Third-sector agencies are crucial change agents, better at representing users and carers than public sector agencies doing it alone. It explores the concept of interdependence, as more energising for older people and agencies.

When I am old I shall wear purple: a qualitative study of the effect of group poetry sessions on the well-being of older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Seymour ◽  
Michael Murray
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Poetry Reading ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There is increasing evidence that participation in various art forms can be beneficial for health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of participating in a poetry reading group on a group of older residents of an assisted living facility. Design/methodology/approach Six poetry sessions, each on a different theme, were conducted with a group of volunteer participants. These sessions, those of pre- and post-study focus groups and interviews with the group facilitator and staff contact were audio-recorded. The transcripts of the recordings were then subjected to a thematic analysis. Findings Overall the participants were enthused by the opportunity to participate in the project and the benefits were confirmed by the support staff. In addition, reading poetry on particular themes promoted different types of discussion. Research limitations/implications The number of participants in this study was small and the study was conducted over a short period of time. Practical implications This paper confirms the impact of poetry reading for older people. The challenge is to explore this impact in more detail and over community as well as residential settings. Originality/value This paper is the first empirical report on the value of poetry reading for older people.

Supporting creative ageing through the arts: the impacts and implementation of a creative arts programme for older people

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Chester Evans ◽  
Jennifer Bray ◽  
Claire Garabedian
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Standard Format ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an independent evaluation of a three-year “Creative Ageing” programme, focussing on the impacts for participants and factors promoting successful delivery of sessions. Design/methodology/approach Artists provided feedback through reflective journals and questionnaires, while the views of care staff and participants were also captured in a standard format at the end of each arts session. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified common themes. Findings Twenty-three arts projects were delivered across a range of settings and through diverse art forms including dance, drama, music, visual arts and poetry. They reached nearly 2,200 participants who recorded over 8,100 session attendances in total. Participation in high quality creative experiences improved well-being for older people, as well as increasing social interaction and reducing isolation. Several factors facilitated successful implementation and delivery of the activities, particularly the need to hold planning meetings with staff to provide guidance around participant numbers and suitability, minimising disruption of the sessions and the supportive role of staff during the sessions. Opportunities for reflection enabled artists to address potential challenges and adapt their practice to meet the needs and preferences of participants and to the complexities of diverse settings. Originality/value Previous research has largely focussed on the impact of activities in a single setting. This study supports the role of creative arts in increasing social interaction as an attempt to tackle isolation and loneliness, both for older people living in the community and for those living in a communal setting such as care homes and supported living schemes.

Self-determination among frail older persons – a desirable goal older persons’ conceptions of self-determination

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Ekelund ◽  
Lena Mårtensson ◽  
Kajsa Eklund
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Western Society ◽  
Legal Rights ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frail Older Persons ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
People First

Purpose – Self-determination is governed by ethical and legal rights in western society. In spite of that, older people are still restricted by others in their decision-making processes. The purpose of this paper is to explore older persons’ different conceptions of self-determination. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative phenomenographic interview study on frail older persons (n=15). Findings – Three categories emerged, showing the variations of conception of self-determination as experienced by frail older people: first, self-determination changes throughout life; second, self-determination is being an agent in one's own life; and third, self-determination is conditional. In summary, while self-determination is changeable throughout life, and older persons want to be their own agents, and struggle to be that, certain conditions must be met to make it possible for them to be able to exercise self-determination. Practical implications – Suggestions for supporting and strengthening frail older persons’ self-determination, and indirectly their well-being and health: to have a person-centered approach, treat them with dignity and respect and give them opportunities to influence and to feel involved; to improve their health literacy by, for example, supporting them with enough knowledge to be able to exercise self-determination; to make them feel safe and secure in relationships, such as with family and caregivers. Originality/value – This study explores frail older persons’ own conceptions of self-determination to be able to gain knowledge of how professionals can support them so that they may experience self-determination in life.

scholarly journals Striving for a “good” family visit: the facilitative role of a prison visitors’ centre

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Woodall ◽  
Karina Kinsella
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voluntary Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Facilitative Role ◽  
Large Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions that create a “good” prison visit, focussing on the role that a dedicated third sector-run prison visitors’ centre plays in creating a supportive environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a synthesis of empirical data gathering conducted over a decade at a voluntary sector-managed prison visitors’ centre based at a male prison in Northern England. The paper draws specifically on qualitative data gathered through four independent evaluations of the centre over a ten-year period. Findings An important point to emerge from the research is the unwavering importance of the prison visit in the life, well-being and regime of a prisoner. Prison visitors’ centres are shown to be an important part of creating positive visits experiences offering a space for composure and for support for families. Originality/value Many voluntary sector organisations are unable to commission large research and evaluation studies, but are often able to fund smaller pieces of work. Pooling qualitative evidence from smaller studies is a viable way to potentially strengthen commissioning decisions in this sector.

Cold water swimming for well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Billie Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Is Value

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the health and well-being benefits of outdoor, cold water swimming. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes the personal experience of one cold water swimmer. It also explores some of the research literature suggesting there is evidence of the benefits to the health and well-being of people of all ages. Findings The paper explores literature suggesting there is evidence of the benefits of “blue therapy” to the health and well-being of people of all ages. Originality This paper describes the personal experience of one cold water swimmer. However, a growing body of published literature suggests there is value in “blue therapy” informing future social prescribing programmes.

scholarly journals Older people’s involvement in healthcare education: views and experiences of older experts by experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-135
Author(s):  
Juliana Thompson ◽  
Sue Tiplady ◽  
Glenda Cook
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Care Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Education ◽  
Professional Health

Purpose “Experts by experience' (EBE) involvement in professional health-care education programmes contributes to developing students” caring skills by supporting students’ understanding of the lived experience and reality of service-users’ situations. Also, involvement in health-care education is a beneficial experience for EBEs themselves. This study aims to explore specifically older people’s experiences and perceptions of their involvement of EBE in gerontological education to generate insight into their understanding of this experience. Design/methodology/approach In this qualitative study, EBEs contributing to delivery of health-care professional education programmes at a UK university took part in focus groups (n = 14) to discuss their views and experiences of involvement in EBE teaching. Data were analysed using open coding. Findings Four themes emerged from the data, suggesting that older EBEs’ involvement in education may be beneficial for their well-being. The four themes were “contributing to improved care”, “having a purpose”, “being included” and “feeling appreciated”. Practical implications Findings support the requirement for nurse educators to develop EBE programmes that involve older people as not only a teaching strategy for students but also a method of promoting the health and well-being of the older EBEs. Originality/value There is limited research regarding specifically older EBEs’ experiences of involvement in gerontological education. This is an important area of study because involvement in education may constitute a means of engaging in social, community and voluntary activities for older people, which recent UK health policies advocate as methods of promoting and facilitating healthy ageing.

Psychological factors of fear of crime: an empirical study of older people in Lucknow, India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Avanish Bhai Patel
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Fear Of Crime ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The incidents of elder victimisation and cases of victimisation, in general, are increasing fast in the society. These incidents have had negative impact on the sense of well-being and way of life of the older people. Therefore, fear of crime is being considered as a most concerning psycho-social problem amongst the older people in contemporary time. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of crime rate on the well-being of the older people and examine the linkage between psychological factors and fear of crime amongst the older people. Design/methodology/approach The present study is based on the mixed method approach and an exploratory research designed applied to conduct the study. The field survey has been done from October 2012 to January 2013 on a sample of 220 older people of rural and urban areas of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh through purposive sampling. For the study, researcher has interviewed 137 male older people and 83 female older people through interview schedules and case studies. The data have been analysed through descriptive and narrative analysis. Findings The study finds that those older people have direct or indirect experience of victimisation, they have anxiety and feel insecurity that someone can victimise them. The study also finds that the happiness of older people is more affected due to anxiety and phobia and have higher level of feeling of fear of crime in their neighbourhood and home. The study also finds whenever anti-social elements are active in the neighbourhood and they commit crimes, fear of crime and anxiety grasp the older people to a large extent causing a fracture in their psychological well-being. Originality/value This work is the original work of researcher. This paper is related to the researcher’s PhD dissertation work. This paper talks about how the psychological well-being of older people affects due to nature of crime in neighbourhood, phobia of crime and anxiety due to criminal activities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document