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The neighbourhood asset mapping of greater Fishponds: a project delivered by BAB community researchers
- Editors:
- MEANS Robin, WOODSPRING Naomi
- Publisher:
- Bristol Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 60
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
This report presents the findings of a neighbourhood asset-mapping by community researchers in one area of Bristol, and includes their reflections on the asset-mapping process itself. The mapping included a range of organisations, clubs and activities where older people might engage, either as participants or volunteers, some of which might not be expressly focused on older people. Assets identified ranged from churches and traditional service providers to bicycling and gardening clubs to cafes to individuals who were seen as important resources in their neighbourhoods. The mapping also identified some of the community deficits, which included poor public transportation, obstacles to walkability, and a basic lack of resources and facilities. An important insight from the asset mapping work was how boundaries of wards and neighbourhood partnership areas are artificial from the point of view of both many community groups and many older people, with older residents accessing various assets across ward and neighbourhood partnership boundaries. (Edited publisher abstract)
An exploration of the value and mechanisms of befriending for older adults in England
- Authors:
- LESTER Helen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 32(2), February 2012, pp.307-328.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are growing problems. Befriending services are an intervention used in many countries to target social isolation in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore service users’ experiences of befriending and to identify the key components of befriending. Interviews were conducted with 25 older adults who had used one of 5 different befriending services across England. Berkman's theoretical model of how individual social networks impact on health was used as a framework to help interpret the data. The findings suggest that befriending offers some compensation for loss of elective relationships from older adults’ social networks, providing opportunities for emotional support and reciprocal social exchange through development of safe, confiding relationships. Good conversational skills and empathy were the foundation of successful relationships within which commonalities were then sought. Befrienders broadened befriendees’ perspectives on life, particularly among older adults in residential care. Social engagement was a powerful mechanism of action, particularly in terms of connecting people back into the community, reinforcing meaningful social roles and connecting to a past life that had often been significantly disrupted by loss.
Tackling social exclusion through neighbourhood networks
- Author:
- KLEE Deborah
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 13(2), June 2009, pp.35-38.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
It has been three years since the publication of the Department of Health's 'A Sure Start to Later Life'. Sure Start schemes aimed to prevent poor health, poverty and social exclusion of older people. This has inspired a number of innovative projects across the country. A number of projects are highlighted including: the Leeds neighbourhood network scheme, the community development service Armley Helping Hands, and Caring Together, which trys to sustain social engagement of people mostly restricted in their homes.
Ever more needed? The role of the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors:
- DAYSON Chris, et al
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- London
This report draws on the findings of a ‘real time evaluation’ (RTE) of the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs) during the pandemic, as a way to understand and share learning about their response. The LNNs aim to support older people to live independently and participate in their communities as they grow older, through a range of activities and services that are provided at a neighbourhood level. The networks have developed over the past 30 years and there are now 37 of them covering the whole city of Leeds. The form, function, activities and services of the networks are diverse, but they share some key characteristics, such as running with the involvement of older people. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was a city-wide ambition for a symbiotic relationship between the LNNs and the health and care sector. This was linked the city’s strategic vision to make Leeds the ‘best city in the UK to grow old in’ and recognition of the need for a ‘left shift’ of resources toward prevention and the development community-based resources and assets. Although the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that this progressive policy agenda was placed on hold out of necessity as city partners focussed on addressing the acute needs brought about by the crisis, the pandemic also provided an opportunity for the LNNs to demonstrate their value by being part of this response at a city and neighbourhood level. (Edited publisher abstract)
Real time evaluation of Leeds Neighbourhood Networks: response to the COVID 19 pandemic
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 10
- Place of publication:
- London
This snapshot report evaluates the Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs) and how they responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The networks support older people to remain living independently and to participate in their communities through a range of activities and services that are provided at a neighbourhood level. The report shows that following the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic in March 2020 the LNNs adapted their service offer rapidly to meet the needs of people living in their communities, focusing on the provision of food, medicine and other essential items, and ensuring people had access to social and emotional support. Some LNNs have taken on a ‘community hub’ role which has involved offering support to a broader section of the community, such as younger households and people experiencing financial hardship. Challenges and opportunities facing the LNNs during this period include: the intensification of their work; the tension between addressing needs of the whole community and the older people; an increase in the reach and visibility of the LNNs; there are some concerns about longer-term sustainability as the pandemic continues. The paper concludes by recommending the development of a clear vision about the role of the LNN in the citywide COVID 19 recovery process and understanding how LNNs can be supported to play a full and active role in the recovery process, including what resources and support may be needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Inequalities in later life: the issue and implications for policy and practice
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- London
Highlights key insights from a scoping review on the inequalities in experienced by older people England. It focuses on three main areas and identifies what needs to be done to address inequalities for each. The areas cover inequalities in health and mental health; financial security and improving social connections. It also stresses that multiple, interrelated factors shape people’s experience of inequalities in later life and that a focus on inequalities caused by poverty and disadvantage should be at the root of any policy and practice solutions. The report aims to stimulate debate and action to tackle inequalities in later life. (Edited publisher abstract)
Community building for old age: breaking new ground. The UK's first senior cohousing community, High Barnet
- Author:
- BRENTON Maria
- Publisher:
- Housing Learning and Improvement Network
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 15
- Place of publication:
- London
This case study describes an initiative developed by the Older Women’s Cohousing (OWCH) group, who understanding that living alone as they grew old could leave them vulnerable, looked to each other to develop and share their social capital. The group have developed a cohousing community based on shared responsibility and mutual support. The model offers a template whereby older people can actively collaborate to live as friendly helpful neighbours at the very least, whether they move house or not. (Edited publisher abstract)
Support networks for Chinese older immigrants accessing English health and social care services: the concept of Bridge People
- Authors:
- LIU Xiayang, COOK Glenda, CATTAN Mima
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 25(2), 2017, pp.667-677.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
As Chinese immigrants in the United Kingdom age, they experience an increasing need to access health and care services. It has, however, been reported that older Chinese immigrants have difficulties in accessing these services. This study explored the experiences of this population in using health and care services and the strategies that they adopted to address their difficulties. A grounded theory method with a two-staged research design was used. Stage 1 explored the participants’ experiences of ageing and use of health and social care services through focus group interviews. Stage 2 investigated the strategies individuals used to support access to and use of services through individual interviews. Forty-four older Chinese people and 15 supporters participated in interviews during August 2011 and May 2013. These older Chinese immigrants were challenged in knowing about and in accessing services. Their difficulties were attributed to language barriers, lack of information and instrumental support, and emotional and cultural issues regarding use of health and care services. Their supporters facilitated access to services and acted as a bridge between the service and the user; therefore, they were given the title ‘Bridge People’. Bridge People have different backgrounds: family and friends, public sector workers and staff from community-based Chinese organisations. The defining attributes of these supporters were: bilinguality, bicultural, multifunctionality and accessibility. There is no charge for this support; and the relationship between the Bridge Person and recipient involves trust and influence over decisions regarding use of health and care services. Bridge People should be recognised and identified by health, social care and housing services to promote engagement and use of services by older immigrant Chinese people. (Publisher abstract)
A better life: valuing our later years
- Author:
- BLOOD Imogen
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 91
- Place of publication:
- York
In 2009, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation launched the five-year programme A Better Life, to explore what can help older people with high support needs to improve their quality of life (and what ‘quality of life’ means for them) now and in the future. This book was commissioned by JRF to draw out and reflect on the key messages from this body of work. A recurring theme in the programme is that ageing is about all of us; it is everyone’s business, not just those working in care homes, commissioning health and care services, or developing government policies and programmes. The book quotes the personal experiences of individual older people, and asks why it is that personal identity risks getting overlooked at this stage of life. It looks specifically at how they can contribute to the development of the supportive relationships, which older people with high support needs value. It considers the messages about what ‘choice’, ‘control’ and ‘independence’ mean to people as they get older. A concluding chapter summarises key messages and draws together the practical ideas for change that were introduce throughout the report, starting with old age is not about ‘them’: it is about all of us. Older people are individuals, and as a group, they are becoming more diverse. Relationships matter to us whatever our age: we have a fundamental human need to connect with others meaningfully. Older people with high support needs have many assets, strengths and resources; and whatever our age or support needs, we should all be treated as citizens: the individual and collective voices of older people with high support needs should be heard and given power. A short paper is also available that summarises the key messages from JRF’s ‘A better life’ programme of work. (Edited publisher abstract)
Creative ageing: exploring social capital and arts engagement in later life
- Author:
- REYNOLDS Jackie
- Journal article citation:
- Generations Review, 22(2), April 2012, Online only
- Publisher:
- British Society of Gerontology
This study explored the meanings that older people attach to their participation in group arts activities throughout their lives. The research focused upon: factors impacting on arts engagement (e.g. age, health, gender, cohort); the relationship between individual and group involvement and the links between arts participation and social capital. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 (8 male and 16 female) participants from a town in the English Midlands. Participants were recruited through a range of groups, including choirs, dancing, amateur dramatics, and arts and crafts groups. In interviews, participants were asked to reflect on their arts engagement throughout their lives. The study's findings suggest that much of older people's arts engagement has been something they have 'taken for granted', highlighting the key roles played by people's childhood experiences at home, school and church, in shaping arts engagement. People's arts engagement was also found to be strongly connected to their relationships with others. The study also found that people‟s arts engagement could be linked to their sense of approaching ageing in a positive way.