Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives
Abstract Background Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering initiatives and provides recommendations as to how peer volunteers can be effectively mobil...
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doaj-feaf037cbbf143d8a7eafa2e4251a9422021-01-24T12:03:55ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582021-01-0121111210.1186/s12889-020-10136-2Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiativesAfroditi Stathi0Janet Withall1Sandra Agyapong-Badu2Eva Barrett3Marlene Kritz4Debbie Wills5Cecilie Thogersen-Ntoumani6Kenneth R. Fox7School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamDepartment for Health, University of BathSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of BirminghamSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of IrelandSchool of Psychology, Curtin UniversitySt. Monica TrustSchool of Psychology, Curtin UniversitySchool of Policy Studies, University of BristolAbstract Background Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering initiatives and provides recommendations as to how peer volunteers can be effectively mobilised as community assets. Methods An evidence synthesis of qualitative data from (a) the evaluation of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a feasibility trial of a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, and (b) interviews with volunteers and managers of third sector organisations providing peer volunteering programmes. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. Results Ten managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. The analysis identified six main themes, 33 higher and 22 sub themes. Main themes were: (i) Motives, (ii) Benefits, (iii) Skills and Characteristics, (iv) Challenges, (v) Training Needs, (vi) Recruitment and Retention. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and an opportunity for increased social connections and physical activity. Good peer volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, shared interests and geographical proximity are important to consider. Clarity of role, level of time commitment, regular feedback, recognition of effort and strong networks for on-going support are important strategies to facilitate volunteer retention. Conclusions The findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-10136-2VolunteeringPhysical activityQualitative synthesisHealth promotionCommunity |
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DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Afroditi Stathi Janet Withall Sandra Agyapong-Badu Eva Barrett Marlene Kritz Debbie Wills Cecilie Thogersen-Ntoumani Kenneth R. Fox |
spellingShingle |
Afroditi Stathi Janet Withall Sandra Agyapong-Badu Eva Barrett Marlene Kritz Debbie Wills Cecilie Thogersen-Ntoumani Kenneth R. Fox Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives BMC Public Health Volunteering Physical activity Qualitative synthesis Health promotion Community |
author_facet |
Afroditi Stathi Janet Withall Sandra Agyapong-Badu Eva Barrett Marlene Kritz Debbie Wills Cecilie Thogersen-Ntoumani Kenneth R. Fox |
author_sort |
Afroditi Stathi |
title |
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
title_short |
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
title_full |
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
title_fullStr |
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
title_full_unstemmed |
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
title_sort |
mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives |
publisher |
BMC |
series |
BMC Public Health |
issn |
1471-2458 |
publishDate |
2021-01-01 |
description |
Abstract Background Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering initiatives and provides recommendations as to how peer volunteers can be effectively mobilised as community assets. Methods An evidence synthesis of qualitative data from (a) the evaluation of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a feasibility trial of a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, and (b) interviews with volunteers and managers of third sector organisations providing peer volunteering programmes. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. Results Ten managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. The analysis identified six main themes, 33 higher and 22 sub themes. Main themes were: (i) Motives, (ii) Benefits, (iii) Skills and Characteristics, (iv) Challenges, (v) Training Needs, (vi) Recruitment and Retention. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and an opportunity for increased social connections and physical activity. Good peer volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, shared interests and geographical proximity are important to consider. Clarity of role, level of time commitment, regular feedback, recognition of effort and strong networks for on-going support are important strategies to facilitate volunteer retention. Conclusions The findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support. |
topic |
Volunteering Physical activity Qualitative synthesis Health promotion Community |
url |
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-10136-2 |
work_keys_str_mv |
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