CARL Research Reports 2012
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Item More than a meal: a qualitative study of the needs of diners in Cork Penny Dinners(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2012-05-03) Magee, Denis; Powell, Fred; Cork Penny Dinners; Civil Society OrganizationBackground to the Study: This study began as a BSW dissertation, and as part of the Science Shop initiative by University College Cork. Research was carried out in Cork Penny Dinners, an independent charity based in Cork city. The charity provides a nourishing mid-day meal, seven days a week all year round. The charity hopes to reconfigure their existing service, and consequently sought the views of the diner’s, with a view to including their perspectives in the planning process. Objectives: The aim of this study was to elicit the views of the diners of Cork Penny Dinners, in order to ascertain if the charity could improve on its current level of service. Interviews were conducted with a sample of the diners to gain their perspectives of the service, and a brief demographic profile compiled. A literature review was undertaken to explore the themes of food poverty, social exclusion and social support. Methodology: The methodology used was qualitative while the theoretical perspectives utilised were phenomenology and interpretivism. Primary research was executed by means of twenty semi-structured interviews with diners, and a further eight with volunteers. A literature review was conducted as secondary research. Results: All of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the service provided by Cork Penny Dinners. A sense of sincere gratitude was evident throughout all of the interviews conducted. The diner’s spoke of the non-judgemental and courteous approach adopted by staff and volunteers when using the service. Eighty five percent of respondents reported having some social support from family or friends, however, seventy percent of the sample lived alone. A large percentage of respondents stated that the possibility of spending time in the company of other diner’s was an important aspect of their visit. Insufficient income and food poverty were dominant issues in the lives of diners. All of these findings are discussed in greater detail in chapter four. 8 http://carl.ucc.ie Recommendations: All respondents expressed complete satisfaction with the quality of the midday meal they receive. Some structural changes to the layout of the premises were suggested by diners in addition to extended opening times. These recommendations and other individual suggestions are discussed in more detail in chapter five. Author’s conclusions: This was a rewarding and interesting research project. Although the diners made recommendations, their satisfaction with and gratitude for the service is noteworthy. It has been a privilege to work with the diners, staff and volunteers of Cork Penny Dinners, and above all, to facilitate in bringing the voices of the diners to the fore.Item An exploration of the views of young adults aged 18+ on the YMCA ‘Ground Floor Open Youth Space’(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2012-04-18) O'Shea, Gill; Burns, Kenneth; Young Men’s Christian Association – Ground Floor Open Youth Space; Civil Society OrganizationThis study began as an MSW dissertation as part of the Science Shop Initiative by University College Cork. The aim of this research is to evaluate the YMCA Open Floor Youth Space from the perspective of the young adults. Central to the focus of ‘Ground Floor’ is providing an ‘open door’ youth space which is run by the young people themselves in conjunction with youth worker David Backhouse. This research firstly critically appraises literature and policy which is germane to the young adults who use ‘Ground Floor’. Contemporary issues which shape the future of youth work in Ireland are also examined: ‘universality versus selected service provision’, professionalism and voluntarism and state’s involvement and funding. Qualitative research was employed in the undertaking of this study. The theoretical perspectives applied to this research were, epistological and interpretive perspectives. Primary research was undertaken in the form of two respective focus groups, each focus group consisted of four Ground Floor members ages 18+. Purposive sampling in the form of snowballing was utilised to recruit participants. The young adults who participated in the research expressed appreciation and trust in the Ground Floor. The young people who participated in the focus groups provided a multi faceted view of the youth space, proving that every individual who walks through the door has a different experience. The benefits and positive contributions it has to young people’s lives is evident. For instance Ground Floor enables its members to: play an active role in activities and decision making, access a wider support network, receive support in their personal and social development in addition to gaining a sense of pride and satisfaction for the work they have contributed. There was a sense of ‘shared ownership’ of Ground Floor amongst the young adults; they viewed the space as ‘their own’. Many young adults attributed social integration and the opportunity to be exposed to a culturally rich environment as positive impacts which Ground Floor has had on their lives. Following this research it is recommended that the Ground Floor seek funding and resources to maintain the work they are undertaking with young adults. Further research to charter the progress of the space should be undertaken by both the young adults themselves and through future Science Shop Projects. It is hoped that the space may expand to other areas of Cork city and county.Item The needs of older people in contemporary Ireland: a case study of Killavullen(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2012-05-03) Kenneally, Mary; Powell, Fred; Killavullen Housing Association; Civil Society OrganizationBackground to study: The Bachelor of Social Work degree requires students to undertake a piece of research to fulfil the requirements of the course. This research was carried out in conjunction with the Science Shop Project in University College Cork and Killavullen Housing Association. The role of Killavullen Housing Association is to consider the provision of suitable sheltered housing for the elderly citizens of North Cork in Killavullen village. To substantiate this need the research looked at ageing demographics in Irish society. The scope of the research included gaining the views of all stakeholders to assess independent living and contributing factors influencing this, assisted living as well as formal residential settings offered at both governmental and community level.