Befriending and community care: <i>‘Nobody today has any time, have they?’</i>

Dean, Jo; Goodlad, Robina

doi:10.1108/14608790199800035

Cited by 11 publications

(16 citation statements)

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“…The present findings for patients’ SQOL [ 19 ], loneliness and number of social contacts [ 15 ] are consistent with previous studies of similar diagnostic groups, thus suggesting that the results may be applicable beyond the present sample. However, existing literature on befriending schemes is limited to volunteer experiences and organisational features of befriending, as these are typically the limiting factor to expanding such services [ 20 ]. As such, little is available for comparison with the present findings with regard to patient preference.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preferences for befriending schemes: a survey of patients with severe mental illness

et al. 2018

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BackgroundBefriending has become a widely used method for tackling social isolation in individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), and evidence exists to support its effectiveness. However, patient preferences for befriending remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether patients with SMI want a volunteer befriender and, if so, the volunteer characteristics and character of the relationship they would prefer.MethodsA survey of outpatients was conducted across London-based community mental health teams, for individuals diagnosed with affective or psychotic disorders. Questions consisted of measures of demographic characteristics, befriending preferences and social context, including measures of time spent in activities, number of social contacts, loneliness and subjective quality of life (SQOL). Binary logistic regressions were used to investigate potential predictors of willingness to participate in befriending.ResultsThe sample comprised of 201 participants with a mean age of 43 years. The majority (58%) of the sample indicated willingness to participate in befriending. In univariable analyses this was associated with less time spent in activities in the previous week, higher level of loneliness and lower SQOL. When all three variables were tested as predictors in a multivariable analysis, only lower SQOL remained significantly associated with willingness to take part in befriending.Relative to other options presented, large proportions of participants indicated preference for weekly (44%), 1-hour (39%) meetings with a befriender, with no limits on the relationship duration (53%). Otherwise, patient preferences exhibited great variability in relation to other characteristics of befriending schemes.ConclusionsA substantial number of patients with SMI appear willing to take part in a befriending scheme. Patients with lower SQOL are more likely to accept befriending, so that befriending schemes may be a realistic option to help patients with particularly low SQOL. The large variability in preferences for different types of befriending suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all formula and that schemes may have to be flexible and accommodate different individual preferences.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preferences for befriending schemes: a survey of patients with severe mental illness

et al. 2018

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“…The relationship should be established and monitored via an agency that has identified one or more parties as likely to benefit. 8 The social support offered should primarily be non-directive and emotional in nature. Studies were excluded where informational, instrumental or appraisal support 9,10 formed a key component of the intervention.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ideally the relationship is non-judgemental, mutual, and purposeful, and there is a commitment over time’. 8 A recent survey found over 500 charitable and voluntary sector organisations offering befriending in the UK. 8 Clinical guidelines suggest a role for befriending for people with chronic depression, 2 although the evidence was limited.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…8 A recent survey found over 500 charitable and voluntary sector organisations offering befriending in the UK. 8 Clinical guidelines suggest a role for befriending for people with chronic depression, 2 although the evidence was limited. We therefore conducted a systematic review to examine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of befriending for individuals in the community, with a focus on the impact on depressive symptoms and emotional distress.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Effects of befriending on depressive symptoms and distress: systematic review and meta-analysis

et al. 2010

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“…Befriending consists of an affirming and emotion-focused relationship which is set up and overseen by an agency (Mead et al 2010). It is also characterised as non-judgemental, mutual and purposeful (Dean and Goodlad 1998). Although companionship is central, face-to-face befriending may also include accompanying people on activities or helping with chores (Cattan, Kime and Bagnall 2011; Findlay 2003; Mead et al 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ringing the changes: the role of telephone communication in a helpline and befriending service targeting loneliness in older people

Preston

Moore

2018

Ageing and Society

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The drive to deliver services addressing loneliness in older people by telephone and online makes it increasingly relevant to consider how the mode of communication affects the way people interact with services and the capacity of services to meet their needs. This paper is based on the qualitative strand of a larger mixed-methods study of a national phoneline tackling loneliness in older people in the United Kingdom. The research comprised thematic analysis of four focus groups with staff and 42 semi-structured interviews with callers. It explored the associations between telephone-delivery, how individuals used the services and how the services were able to respond. To understand these associations, it was useful to identify some constituent characteristics of telephone communication in this context: namely its availability, reach and non-visual nature. This enabled various insights and comparison with other communication media. For example, the availability of the services attracted people seeking frequent emotional support but this presented challenges to staff. More positively, the ability of the services to connect disparate individuals enabled them to form different kinds of satisfying relationships. The evolution of mixed communication forms, such as internet-based voice communication and smartphone-based visual communication, makes analysis at the level of a technology's characteristics useful. Such a cross-cutting perspective can inform both the design of interventions and assessment of their suitability for different manifestations of loneliness.

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Befriending and community care: ‘Nobody today has any time, have they?’

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

Preferences for befriending schemes: a survey of patients with severe mental illness

Preferences for befriending schemes: a survey of patients with severe mental illness

Effects of befriending on depressive symptoms and distress: systematic review and meta-analysis

Ringing the changes: the role of telephone communication in a helpline and befriending service targeting loneliness in older people

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