Programme: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown
WHO Theme: Community Support and Health Services
Cost: 10000+
Status: In Progress
Description
WHAT IS THE WALK & TALK PROGRAMME?
Walk & Talk programme is a new community-clinical collaboration between, Making Connections, Befriending & Wellbeing Supports, HSE Community Healthcare East Primary Care services, and Healthy Ireland. The project aims to increase physical activity and social engagement. It is free for adults 65 years.
HOW WAS THE NEED IDENTIFIED?
Post pandemic, a rise in deconditioning and reduced muscle strength in older people was observed. Many had fallen out of their routines and expressed a lack of confidence to return to walking and a fear of falling when walking. Loneliness and social isolation was also a common theme amongst this group.
In 2022, Making Connections, HSE Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Churchtown and the local HSE Health Promotion & Improvement Officer joined forces to counter these issues. The Walk & Talk model was designed and two pilot project groups delivered in 2022. The results showed measurable positive impact on; health and wellbeing; muscle strength; and motivation to continue walking after the program. Due to the success of this scalable model, it was decided to roll out 7 Walk & Talk programmes in 2023.
HOW DOES THE MODEL WORK?
To participate in this programme, a referral is required from a clinician. This ensures that those most in need in the community are prioritised.
Walk & Talk is a 7 week programme involving weekly group walks in Loreto Park, Churchtown followed by social engagement over coffee in Nutgrove shopping centre. Walks are supported mainly by Making Connections volunteers (recruited, vetted, trained and supported specifically for the programme), with representation from staff of partner organisations as required. The programme includes objective and subjective metrics to demonstrates measurable impact. This helps to inspire behavioural change in participants beyond the programme.
HOW DOES IT MEASURE IMPACT?
• A clinical assessment is completed at the start and finish of the programme by a Chartered Physiotherapist. This objectively evaluates any improvements in lower limb and hand grip strength following completion of the group. Clinical evidence and research suggests improved muscle strength reduces frailty and risk of falling in the older population.
• The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being scale is completed at the start and finish of the programme. This evaluates any improvements in the mental well-being of the participants.
• All participants receive a pedometer. Step count is recorded at the end of each walk and is a great motivator to increase level of walking at home between the sessions and beyond.
• Feedback surveys indicate that participants greatly value the social engagement aspect of the programme. Getting to know their peers and having fun chatting to group leaders and volunteers makes the effort of walking more enjoyable.
WHAT ARE PARTICIPANTS SAYING ABOUT IT?
“I feel stronger. I’m now confident enough to walk to the shops alone.”
“Some of us from the programme decided to continue to meet and walk weekly”
“I’m amazed that I’m making new friends at my age.”
“I used to stay inside all day but the Walk and Talk programme has changed all of that. It is gift”
HOW DOES IT ALIGN WITH AGE FRIENDLY IRELAND?
The Walk & Talk programme aligns with important National Strategies including; National Age Friendly Program; National Positive Ageing Strategy; HSE’s Enhanced Community Care Programme; Healthy Ireland’s Strategic Action Plan 2021–2025 and Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 -2025.
This programme directly supports the objectives of the dlr Age Friendly 5 Year Strategy. In particular:
Objective 2.1.1. “To facilitate befriending services and other programmes to empower older people in the dlr to remain socially connected.” (lead implementation partners: Making Connections & HSE)
Objective 2.3.10 to increase number of trained, vetted and supported Making Connections Volunteers, including a broad range of roles provided (lead implementation partner: Making Connections).
This model is highly scalable and there is demand for the programme to start in other locations. Development work is in progress with the aim to expand.
Aim of Initiative
The Walk & Talk Programme aims to increase physical activity through walking and social engagement for adults age 65 and over. The project also aims to inspire behavioural change by encouraging participants to make walking part of their normal routine beyond the programme.
Who is it aimed at
People aged 65+
3 Steps critical to success
- CLINICAL- COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Combining the strengths of clinical practice (HSE) and experience of the voluntary sector (Making Connections) was essential for the success of this initiative.
- PILOT PROJECT: The pilot project enabled us to design, test and develop all aspects of the project. Being able to demonstrate measurable impact through quantitative and qualitative evaluation was essential for the approval of the programme as a formal partnership to roll out in 2023.
- VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT: Recruitment, vetting, training and support of a volunteer team ensured the safety and social engagement of participants. The volunteer team involves young people as well as people over 65 years which highlights the social inclusion element of the programme.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Investment of time required for the planning, development, and documentation to ensure a successful partnership and sustainable scalable project.
- High level of governance and compliance as required for the safeguarding of vulnerable older adults and volunteers.
- Raising awareness about this new service amongst clinicians including GPs, Primary Care Teams in the context of high HSE staff turnover and time pressures due to busy work load.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Note: The outcomes cited are metrics from x2 Walk & Talk pilot project groups, 2022.100% of participants reported that the programme had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing
- 90% of participants showed an improvement in muscle strength
- 94% of participants indicated that they were motivated to walk more after the program