A new research study is looking for participants to understand how volunteering contributes to social care.
THE NEW STUDY
The Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC), University of South Wales (USW) and the Centre for Charity Effectiveness (CCE), City, University of London are running a new research study commissioned by Social Care Wales to understand more about how the role of volunteering in social care.
WIHSC, USW and CCE would like to speak to a range of people about their experiences of volunteers and volunteering in adult residential care settings in Wales. They’re interested in all aspects of volunteering, and want to learn more about how volunteering is experienced, managed and resourced. This means understanding who’s involved, what they do and why, and the key challenges and opportunities presented.
During July, August and September 2024, the organisations wish to undertake seven in-person case studies with care homes who support older people, people with mental health problems, and those who have a learning disability.
HOW TO TAKE PART
They are seeking care homes who would like to take part in order to understand the role and contribution that volunteers make. This means talking to the care home manager and volunteer co-ordinator/manager (if you have one), and some staff members who have a perspective on the role played by the volunteers, and the volunteers themselves. It may also be helpful to speak with others, like the local volunteer centre, if they have played a role in recruiting and supporting volunteers for your care home.
None of this work will involve us speaking with or engaging with residents of the care home. If an in-person visit is going to be difficult to arrange, discussions about undertaking the case study remotely can be held.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To find out more, please contact Mark Llewellyn: mark.llewellyn@southwales.ac.uk or please visit the Social Care Wales website.
To discover more about the sector’s work in health and social care, visit WCVA’s Health and Care Project page.