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Volunteer work with vulnerable persons in the community: a qualitative study of social inclusion
- Authors:
- KRUITHOF Kasper, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 21(4), 2021, pp.696-712.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: Performing work is regarded as a key factor in the social inclusion of vulnerable persons. However, such social inclusion appears to be problematic in both mainstream and segregated settings. We aimed to examine whether volunteer work in integrated settings could be a suitable alternative. In a case study, we interviewed 13 vulnerable persons who were enabled—through a “Quarter Making” intervention—to perform volunteer work in a community setting. Data were analyzed using concepts from social epidemiology and social sciences. Findings: Participation in the community gave respondents structure, and made them feel useful, meaningful, and proud, as well as a useful interconnected part of society. Interpersonal relationships provided them with superficial but meaningful contacts in the community, and helped them to transcend their social group, and—sometimes—build friendships. These experiences of improved social inclusion resulted in respondents reporting better mental health and wellbeing, and speaking in terms of feeling more normal and—sometimes—in terms of recovery. Applications: To improve the social inclusion of vulnerable persons, performing volunteer work in integrated settings could be a suitable alternative for mainstream work or work in segregated settings. Interventions aimed at matching vulnerable persons to integrated settings, like Quarter Making, should preferably find a balance between creating bridging capital, to allow vulnerable persons to connect to “the normal world,” and offering bonding capital, to give them a safe place where they can “learn and relearn” to deal with the demands of modern society. (Edited publisher abstract)
The effects of social and therapeutic horticulture on aspects of social behaviour
- Authors:
- SEMPIK Joe, RICKHUSS Cathy, BEESTON Alex
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(6), 2014, pp.313-319.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Social and therapeutic horticulture has been shown to be a useful intervention for a wide range of vulnerable groups, including those with a mental health problem and/or learning or physical disabilities. However, there is still a need for additional research that examines evidence of its effectiveness. Method: This study analysed scores in four areas (social interaction, communication, motivation, and task engagement) collected as part of routine assessment during a programme of social and therapeutic horticulture. The sample comprised a heterogeneous group of participants and included a range of vulnerable people, predominantly those with a learning disability or a mental health problem. Findings: Scores for social interaction were significantly higher after 90 days of participation. This effect appeared to be most evident in participants with a learning disability. Conclusion: Social and therapeutic horticulture provides the opportunity for social interaction. Increased scores relating to social interaction suggest that the programme was effective in promoting such interaction and that it may, therefore, promote social inclusion among vulnerable and isolated groups. (Publisher abstract)
Intellectual disabilities, violent conflict and humanitarian assistance: advocacy of the forgotten
- Author:
- ROHWERDERA Brigitte
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 28(6), 2013, pp.770-783.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article examines the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in violent conflict who have been neglected in practice and academia. Such invisibility, combined with the disabling impact of society, their low priority, and the nature of their impairments, results in a disproportionately negative impact of conflict on people with intellectual disabilities. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including humanitarian workers, this article examines their experiences and analyses how much consideration has been given to people with intellectual disabilities in humanitarian assistance policy and practice in light of their increased need and vulnerability. Lack of awareness and recognition of their diverse experiences can result in their needs failing to be adequately met, which compounds their disproportionately negative experience of conflict. It is important to finally start paying attention in order to ensure their inclusion in humanitarian responses. (Publisher abstract)
I get by, with a little help...
- Authors:
- KELLY Doreen, WARDROP Laura
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 9(4), June 2009, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
This article is about adults with learning disabilities and their interpersonal relationships. It focuses on Partners for Inclusion, a not-for-profit organisation that provides supported living services to adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems in Scotland. Key to Partners for Inclusion's work is supporting people to make friends and get connected in their community. There has been some debate about the question of whether a person's support worker is a friend and if the support worker should be a friend. Issues relating to protection of vulnerable adults are discussed and it is noted that this has led to the creation of policy and rules regimenting the making of friends. The authors argue that is it acceptable for staff to be friends with the people that they support, as long as they are not the only friends.
Disabled people, crime and social inclusion
- Author:
- SCHULLER Nina
- Journal article citation:
- Community Safety Journal, 4(3), July 2005, pp.4-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
Disabled people are a neglected issue in criminology. This article discusses the extent of the population affected, social reactions to impairment and the disavantages faced by disabled people, including higher risk if victimisation. Links that have been made between disability and offending behaviour are also critically assessed. Finally, some practical solutions to include disabled people in the community safety strategies are outlined.
Our homes: an inclusive study about what moving house is like for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland
- Authors:
- SALMON Nancy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 47(1), 2019, pp.19-28.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Supporting people with intellectual disabilities to live well in communities they choose is deinstitutionalisation's central aim and endorsed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) (UN, 2006). This study focused on the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland when moving home using an inclusive research approach. Method: This inclusive research project employed a qualitative approach. Participants included 19 men and 16 women (total n = 35) with ages ranging from 22 to 77 years. Structured interviews attended to the experience of moving home and the supports accessed during and after the transition to community living. Results: Thematic analysis yielded four themes: “expressing choice” in the moving process; “feeling connected or isolated when moving”; “accessing supports during and after the move”; and finally, participants' reflections on “experiencing vulnerability and feeling safe” while resettling. Conclusions: This is the first study about people with intellectual disabilities moving home to be collaboratively designed and completed by an inclusive research team. Although much is understood about the long‐term benefits of engaging in meaningful choices about housing and supports, concerns remain about the extent to which the will and preferences of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland are respected when moving home. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social work practice and intellectual disability
- Authors:
- BIGBY Christine, FRAWLEY Patsie
- Publisher:
- Palgrave Macmillan
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 238p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Basingstoke
Provides an understanding of the knowledge, values and skills required for effective practice in the field of learning disability and the opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration for social change. The book focuses on adults with learning disabilities and their families. Topics include: the changing definitions of learning disability; theory and practice of working with adults with learning disabilities and their families; assessment, planning, monitoring and review; social inclusion and participation. Includes numerous case studies and discussion points.