Projects per year
Abstract
The rising incidence of loneliness and social isolation, especially among older people has increasingly been identified in research, practice and policy developments. These issues have become key concerns for public health and social care agendas. Although social isolation and loneliness are often conflated, they are not significantly correlated. The effects of loneliness and social isolation on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are well documented. Addressing the causes and consequences of loneliness and social isolation is complex. This article outlines a practice example of a grassroots early intervention project seeking to alleviate loneliness and isolation in one community in Belfast, Northern Ireland. CLARE (Creative Local Action Responses and Engagement), a not for profit community interest company, provides a community-based response for isolated older people. The CLARE model encompasses community development worker roles and the skills of community social workers to support and grow community assets, including a vibrant volunteer base. CLARE demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-dimensional model that addresses loneliness by encompassing three core areas of ‘foundation services’ as highlighted by the Campaign to End Loneliness. The strengths and challenges of these interventions, and their potential for addressing loneliness and social isolation are discussed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Practice: Social Work in Action |
Early online date | 17 Feb 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Early online date - 17 Feb 2020 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Learning through Practice: How Can We Address Loneliness among Older People?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
-
R2062SSP: A Review of Service Provision for Men Aged 50+ (Belfast)
Devine, P. (PI), Anand, J. (CoI) & Montgomery, L. (CoI)
27/01/2014 → 31/03/2015
Project: Research
-
R2014SSP: Strengthening the evidence base of the Ageing Sector in Northern Ireland
Devine, P. (PI)
01/08/2013 → 30/06/2019
Project: Research
Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
-
Gerontological Association of America (GSA) 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting
Devine, P. (Presenter) & Neville, C. (Contributor)
06 Nov 2020Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
Profiles
-
Paula Devine
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work - Senior Social Survey Officer
Person: Research
-
Social isolation and older men – learning from research
Devine, P., Montgomery, L., Anand, J. & Ní Dhónaill, C., 05 Apr 2019, In: Community Development Journal. 54, 2, p. 273-289 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Citations (Scopus)393 Downloads (Pure) -
Social engagement of older people
Devine, P. & Montgomery, L., 27 Nov 2017, Early key findings from a study of older people in Northern Ireland. The NICOLA Study. Cruise, S. & Kee, F. (eds.). p. 46-55Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter