National Charity Targets Social Exclusion
RVS undertook a major research programme in 2001 amongst customers, recipients, volunteers and staff. As part of this RVS commissioned MORI to undertake research across the UK with local authorities and NHS trust directors.
This research examined how the voluntary sector - and particularly RVS - might support the changing face of care within local communities in the future. It sought to explore the crucial needs in the next five to ten years, especially among older people.
The findings showed a growing need to focus on preventative services for older people. Of those interviewed:
- 48 per cent felt that the most important contribution the voluntary sector could make was home visiting to reduce social isolation among older people
- a third (34 per cent) stated that it was important to keep older people independent and living in their own homes
- budgets were noted as restricting the development of preventative services and the voluntary sector is noted as vital in this area - contact with volunteers means they are able to feed back any problems to the relevant statutory agency
- 85 per cent believe the voluntary sector will become increasingly important in this area
- 75 per cent of local authorities believe community transport will become more important
- 87 per cent of NHS trusts feel that 'home from hospital' schemes will rise in importance
Technical details
MORI interviewed 233 respondents from social services departments and health trusts by telephone between 14 and 30 May 2001. In addition, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted among senior managers in trusts and local authorities.
