We have published our own research, resulting in the public launch and dissemination of reports, including:
Clearing the Hurdles
This project was commissioned and funded by Bournemouth Social Services with the aim of identifying barriers to independence for people aged 50 years and over, and how these could be overcome. The project started in July 2000 and was complete in April of 2002.
Research is something that has traditionally been undertaken by ‘academics’, however at Help and Care we feel that older people have a very important part to play in research especially in those areas that affect the older age group. We feel that older people need to be involved in decision making and planning. This project was different because it was undertaken by a group of older people living in Bournemouth.
Specific objectives of the research were to:
- Look at the barriers to independence that exist for older people living in Bournemouth
- Use this information to identify services and support that would help to overcome these barriers
- Provide information for future service planning.
Getting Aboard
In 2004 Help and Care were commissioned by the Adult and Community Learning Fund to undertake a research project identifying barriers which prevented older people’s participation in learning opportunities living in rural areas. Particular emphasis was placed in identifying people who were isolated and housebound.
As an integral part of the project we recruited a group of older volunteers who were not currently engaged in learning, these people then took an active role in leading the study.
Gay and Grey
Help and Care, in partnership with Bournemouth University, undertook a 3 year research project designed to identify and meet the needs, wants, fears and aspirations of older lesbians and gay people living in Dorset. The project was one of the largest pieces of research led by and directly involving older gay men and lesbians and its findings helped raise awareness of the many issues facing this often overlooked group.
With guidance from Help and Care, and the support of a lecturer at Bournemouth University, a volunteer group of 15 older gay men and lesbians undertook the Lottery-funded Participatory Action Research Project (PAR), allowing them to ‘speak out for themselves’.
The results of the research were presented at the Gay and Grey conference to 120 delegates representing various local service providers, local agencies, academics and researchers.
Read Gay and Grey report
My Own Words
My Own Words was a 12 month project giving the residents of Poole an opportunity to write about their experiences, thoughts, and memories.
Using creative writing techniques to provide a “bridge” between different generations, our researcher worked with:
- Older people
- Carers
- Young Carers
- Young People
- Single Parents
- Rough Sleepers
- People with Addictions
A selection of the participants writing was displayed in Poole libraries as part of the Adult Learning Week.