8
Figure 3: Social connectedness
Loneliness
The de Jong Gierveld and Van Tilburgh Loneliness
Scale demonstrates that the majority of individuals
85.4% declared they were lonely at the beginning of
the befriending service, and 27%measured severely
lonely. A significant difference from the baseline and
the follow up with a 39.33% reduction in loneliness
declared by individuals.
Isolation
The Lubben Social Network Scale was used to
ascertain the level of social network and support
available to individuals. The score at baseline is very
low (10.34). The clinical cut-off point of 12 is applied
to identify individuals at risk of extreme isolation
(overly reliant on one person or the lack of this basic
support). For the whole scale 62.1% scored 12, and
can be considered at risk of extreme isolation. At the
end of the befriending period there is a significant
difference between baseline and follow up score for
contact with family and friends.
Social connectedness
At the end of the befriending period individuals were
asked to answer a number of questions regarding the
extent taking part may have had any impact on their
social lives:
Yes
No
Do you feel you meet
more people now?
100%
Have you made new
friends?
92.4%
Are you doing any
new activities?
64.7%
Have you restarted
any past activities?
42.9%
Are you going to any new
clubs/classes/groups?
66.7%
Do you feel more
confident?
96.6%
