The Connect Hackney programme evaluation, led by the University of East London is seeking to find out how the programme is making a difference to older residents in Hackney. The University of East London is collecting feedback and documenting experiences from a range of people, including: participants, project staff, and partners. Research findings are based on interviews and a participant survey. The local evaluation is also contributing to a national evaluation of the Ageing Better programme.
The evaluation will be looking to answer eight Test and Learn questions, which collectively will determine to what degree the Connect Hackney has been successful in achieving the programmes four outcomes
- What projects have had the most success in reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people living in Hackney? What can we learn from these projects, specifically? (Programme outcomes 1 and 2). Findings due 20/21
- What information, referral and access methods have been the most successful in reaching and engaging older people living with or at risk of social isolation and loneliness in sustained activities?
> Reach, engagement and retention of participants in phase 2 Connect Hackney projects: findings from project providers
- How successful has the Connect Hackney connector model been to recruit and retain older people living with or at risk of social isolation and loneliness in sustained activities? (Programme outcomes 1 and 2)
> An in-depth study of the Community Connectors project for older people in Hackney living with or at risk of loneliness and social isolation
- Can the use of technology help to reduce isolation? Has improved confidence in using IT contributed to a reduction in isolation and loneliness, enabling an individual to navigate services, keep in touch with family and friends, meet new people and find leisure and social activities that are of interest to them? (Programme outcomes 1 and 2)
> An in-depth study of digital inclusion projects for older people living with or at risk of social isolation and loneliness
- What have we learnt about the contributions that older people living with or at risk of social isolation and loneliness make to the local community through volunteering or informal community involvement? (Programme outcome 3)
> Read our Evaluation Annual Report (May 2020): Reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people in Hackney of digital inclusion projects for older people living with or at risk of loneliness and social isolation’ report
- How have asset-based community development approaches been effectively used in facilitating regular contact with older people living with or at risk of social isolation and loneliness? (Outcome 3)
> Read our Evaluation Annual Report (May 2020): Reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people in Hackney of digital inclusion projects for older people living with or at risk of loneliness and social isolation’ report
- How has system change been influenced, as a result of the Connect Hackney programme? (Programme outcome 4). Findings due 20/21
- How does the programme plan to sustain and/or scale-up what works well about the projects (Programme outcome 4). Findings due 20/21
