11
The interviews with individuals support the evidence
for increased satisfaction with life and social
networking and decreased loneliness that were
observed in the follow up measures, with the majority
reporting positive outcomes as a consequence of
taking part in the programme. Prominent themes
are meeting new people, increased confidence,
enjoyment, improved outlook on life, and taking
part in new activities or joining new groups.
These results also suggest that the needs
that had been explicitly given by the
individuals were met. Both the quantitative
and qualitative data indicate that after
taking part in Cadwyn Mon, individuals saw
more people, went out to socialise more,
made new friends and joined local clubs.
Interviews with Cadwyn Môn’s volunteers
reveal that the service not only benefits the
individuals, but the volunteers too. Like the
individuals, many volunteers report increased
confidence, particularly in social/group situations.
Volunteers report enjoying their role, and for many
it has given them perspective and an appreciation
of what they have, and how easily this can be
compromised in older age.
Bangor University’s findings indicate that Cadwyn
Môn has a number of important benefits on the lives
of the individuals, with improvements in measures of
well-being, and social connectedness, and reductions
in loneliness subsequent to befriending being
observed. Self-reported benefits are given by most
individuals, and depending on their needs, benefits
can range from increased confidence, independence,
mobility, access to services, and social networks
among others.
Evaluation summary
and conclusion
The results showed that there were significant
reductions in the measures of loneliness (De
Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and significant
improvements in well-being (Satisfaction with
Life Scale), between baseline and follow up. The
decrease in loneliness and increase in well- being is
supported by the fact that the majority of individuals
felt that their mental health had improved after
the befriending period, and around three quarters
also felt that their physical health or mobility had
improved.
Analysis of the Lubben Social Network Scale
demonstrates significant increase in social
connectedness with family and friends. This is
supported by the reported increase in how often
individuals left the house to socialise, and how
often they used public transport, after receiving the
programme. Moreover, all (100%) of the individuals
said that they sawmore people
after taking part, and the
majority had made
new friends.
The results
showed that there
were
significant
reductions
in the
measures of loneliness
and
significant
improvements
in
well-being.
