Abstract
BackgroundSuccessful 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.MethodsAn 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.ResultsTen 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.ConclusionsThe 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.
Highlights
Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives
This is strongly supported in government health promotion and self-care policies [4, 5], as it may be a valuable contributor to tackling ever-increasing health inequalities, an issue starkly illustrated by the 19-year gap in healthy life expectancy between those living in England’s most and least deprived areas and similar data from the United States of America [USA] [6, 7]
Benefits of peer volunteering and characteristics of a good peer-volunteer Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment emerged as significant reasons for volunteering
Summary
Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. Central to the impact of a community asset approach is the engagement of communities and individuals within those communities, in decision-making regarding local initiatives and their execution This is strongly supported in government health promotion and self-care policies [4, 5], as it may be a valuable contributor to tackling ever-increasing health inequalities, an issue starkly illustrated by the 19-year gap in healthy life expectancy between those living in England’s most and least deprived areas and similar data from the United States of America [USA] [6, 7]. Building confident communities will be crucial in the post COVID-19 era where the return to ‘normality’ will be challenging, especially for older adults and those classified as vulnerable who have been isolated for several months
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