Qualitative and quantitative research methods were both used, and 45 interviews were conducted, transcribed and thematic analysis was done and online survey was designed to reach out and engage with local people. Loneliness and isolation were both completely different things but are put together all the time. Youngest person interviewed was 30 and oldest was 89, which shows that this is not just an old age thing. Mainly loneliness they are dealing with rather than isolation. University data is viable. Results will be seen by Director of Public Health first and then results can be shared. CL asked JN what are the contributing factors to loneliness. JN said that Mental health and disability were big factors. Outcomes showed that it was a collaborative approach and was a cost effective method of research. Research fully engaged local community stakeholders in identifying the problem and finding the solution. 15 people interviewed were asked if they wanted to be connected with, and they did. JN is hoping that method will result in more solution, so that people know how to improve own health. The researchers gave feedback and they would all be willing to do more work because they enjoyed it and learnt a lot. It has helped to increase their skills and own wellbeing. Other outcomes are contributed to building social networks as they are associated with reducing illness and death rates. Out of 10 community researchers 2 gained employments, 1 signed up – for a masters and another 1 signed up for a PHD. The other 6 are still engaged in the research. JN ensured the interviewees were signposted to the correct organisation such as Sunderland Mind, Counselling, and Age UK etc.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods were both used, and 45 interviews were conducted, transcribed and thematic analysis was done and online survey was designed to reach out and engage with local people. Loneliness and isolation were both completely different things but are put together all the time. Youngest person interviewed was 30 and oldest was 89, which shows that this is not just an old age thing. Mainly loneliness they are dealing with rather than isolation. University data is viable. Results will be seen by Director of Public Health first and then results can be shared. CL asked JN what are the contributing factors to loneliness. JN said that Mental health and disability were big factors. Outcomes showed that it was a collaborative approach and was a cost effective method of research. Research fully engaged local community stakeholders in identifying the problem and finding the solution. 15 people interviewed were asked if they wanted to be connected with, and they did. JN is hoping that method will result in more solution, so that people know how to improve own health. The researchers gave feedback and they would all be willing to do more work because they enjoyed it and learnt a lot. It has helped to increase their skills and own wellbeing. Other outcomes are contributed to building social networks as they are associated with reducing illness and death rates. Out of 10 community researchers – 2 gained employments, 1 signed up for a masters and another 1 signed up for a PHD. The other 6 are still engaged in the research. JN ensured the interviewees were signposted to the correct organisation such as Sunderland Mind, Counselling, and Age UK etc.
ED-Minutes-19th-September-2017-v3.docx