ABSTRACT

Loneliness is increasingly viewed from a public health perspective given its association with poor physical and mental health. This includes tackling loneliness as an element of policy to promote mental health and wellbeing recovery post Covid. Facilitating participation of older people in social activities is part of the cross-governmental strategy to address loneliness in England. Such interventions have more chance of being effective if they resonate with and sustain engagement with their intended target audience. This study explored experiences of a personalized support and community response service to loneliness in Worcestershire, England. It involved interviews with 41 participants, gaining insights on routes into the program, perceived impacts, suitability and appeal. Results indicate multiple entry pathways, reaching individuals who would otherwise never have initiated engagement. Many participants felt the program promoted their confidence and self-esteem, as well as reengagement in social activities. Volunteers were pivotal to positive experiences. The program did not have universal appeal; some would have preferred a befriending service, whilst others desired opportunities to engage in intergenerational activities. Early identification and better understanding of determinants of loneliness, as well as co-creation, flexibility in form, regular feedback and volunteer support would help strengthen program appeal.

摘要

鉴于孤独与身心健康状况不佳有关，人们越来越多地从公共卫生角度看待孤独。这包括将解决孤独问题作为促进新冠疫情后心理健康和福祉恢复的政策要素之一。促进老年人参与社会活动是英格兰解决孤独问题的跨政府战略的一部分。如果此类干预措施能够引起预期目标受众的共鸣并持续参与，那么它们更有可能发挥作用。这项研究探讨了英国伍斯特郡针对孤独感的个性化支持和社区响应服务的经验。它涉及对 41 名参与者的采访，深入了解该计划的途径、感知的影响、适宜性和吸引力。结果表明有多种进入途径，接触到原本永远不会主动参与的个人。许多参与者认为该计划增强了他们的信心和自尊，并重新参与了社交活动。志愿者对于积极的体验至关重要。该计划并不具有普遍吸引力；有些人更喜欢友善的服务，而另一些人则希望有机会参与代际活动。及早识别和更好地理解孤独的决定因素，以及共同创造、形式灵活性、定期反馈和志愿者支持将有助于增强项目的吸引力。该计划并不具有普遍吸引力；有些人更喜欢友善的服务，而另一些人则希望有机会参与代际活动。及早识别和更好地理解孤独的决定因素，以及共同创造、形式灵活性、定期反馈和志愿者支持将有助于增强项目的吸引力。该计划并不具有普遍吸引力；有些人更喜欢友善的服务，而另一些人则希望有机会参与代际活动。及早识别和更好地理解孤独的决定因素，以及共同创造、形式灵活性、定期反馈和志愿者支持将有助于增强项目的吸引力。