3.5.2 Formative evaluation of the Silver Song Club project (27)

Ann Skingley, Senior Lecturer/Senior Researcher, Social Work, Community and Mental Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, United Kingdom Co authors: Hilary Bungay, Stephen Clift & Grenville Hancox

Abstract:

Background:

In the context of an ageing population and rising numbers of people with a long term illness, government policy over recent years has laid increasing emphasis on the need to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. There is growing evidence that this may be supported through active participation in creative activities such as singing (Cayton, 2007). To this end, a number of “Silver Song Clubs” have been set up in S.E England.

Aim:

To make an assessment of the experiences and health benefits gained by “Silver Song Club” participants as a first step in the development of a theoretical framework for understanding the effects of participative singing for older people. This will facilitate appropriate referral into such activities by health professionals.

Methods:

The study (approved by the university’s Faculty Research Ethics Committee) is adopting a qualitative approach based on the model of “realistic evaluation” put forward by Pawson and Tilley (1997). Collection of data from six of the 30+ clubs took place between September 2006 and June 2007. Individual or focus group interviews (n = 46 individuals plus 6 groups) were conducted with all stakeholder groups involved in the song clubs (directors of the administering organization, facilitating musicians, supporting volunteers from choral societies, venue managers and participants). Observations of individual sessions were also recorded. Analysis (due for completion October 2007) aims to compare responses across respondent groups as well as across the individual clubs, in order to build theory.

Emerging results:

Initial results are indicating that the aims and benefits as perceived by directors and facilitators are supported by the views of volunteers and participants. Outcomes for participants include enjoyment, social interaction, physical improvement, subjective mental wellbeing, memory and recall stimulation and learning. Work continues on relating responses to their individual context and to the broader theory.

References:

Cayton, H. (2007) Report of the Review of Arts and Health Working Group. Department of Health, London. (Available at: www.dh.gov.uk/publications) Pawson, R. & Tilley, N. (1997) Realistic Evaluation. Sage Publications, London

Biography:

I have a background in district nursing, teaching and research. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Community Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University and Senior Researcher with the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health (also CCCU) based in Folkestone. Interests include singing in my local church singing group.