Eating together as a social network intervention for people with mild intellectual disabilities: a theory-based evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: People with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) generally live independently among the wider community. This can result in social exclusion and feelings of loneliness. Therefore, social work organizations aim to socially include people with MID through organizing activities in neighbourhoods that should lead to enlarged networks and increased societal participation. The “Communal Table” is such a, group-orientated, intervention that organizes monthly dinners in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Because little is known about the effectiveness of interventions aiming to bring about social inclusion for people with MID we explored which types of participants were reached and whether and how the intervention brought about the intended outcomes. Methods: We performed a theory-based evaluation, using participatory observations and qualitative interviews (n = 19). The Communal Table attracted a diverse and loyal group of participants. Results: We distinguished four types of participants—lonely participants, activist participants, satisfied participants and calculating participants—whose pre-existing networks played a significant role in their individual needs for support and the outcomes of the intervention. Outcomes reported included experiences of conviviality and warmth, temporary relief of underlying problems and an overall positive opinion about the intervention, but network enlargement or increased societal participation were not reported. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social network interventions for people with MID should be tailored to participants’ pre-existing networks and related individual needs to be successful.

Primary care-based interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in older people: a scoping review

“… 36 57 69 Participating in large groups without facilitating staff hindered socialisation and deterred attendance. 69 Age-related factors such as physical and mental health limitations affected participant engagement in five interventions. 57 61 65 77 79 …”

“…38 59 69 For example, in the communal table project, the €1 three-course dinner allowed equitable participation independently of socioeconomic position. 69 …”

“…38 59 69 For example, in the communal table project, the €1 three-course dinner allowed equitable participation independently of socioeconomic position. 69 A perceived fit with the activity content and group participants was crucial for older adults' continuity in two studies. Engagement and outcomes improved when patients' motivations and interests informed the design of the content.…”

Volunteer work with vulnerable persons in the community: A qualitative study of social inclusion

“…bonding capital, is important for feeling safe and forming friendships (Putnam, 2000). On its own, however, bonding capital may negatively impact on the health and wellbeing of vulnerable persons, since it may strengthen rather than lessen the exclusion they experience (Caughy et al, 2003;Kruithof et al, 2018;Ziersch & Baum, 2004).…”

“…First, it seems unlikely that commercial businesses could just as easily suspend their current norms about productivity in order to create the "hospitable niches" needed (Kal, 2001(Kal, , 2012Nichols & Ralston, 2011) as the public and non-profit-oriented work settings in our study. Second, some vulnerable persons may-at least initially-benefit more from activities in segregated settings, because they feel safer in such places (Kruithof et al, 2018). Together, these qualifications refer to the notion of learning and re-learning, meaning that excluded vulnerable persons may only gradually learn to deal with the demands of a complex society (Kal, 2001).…”