Interventions Aimed at Alleviating Loneliness and Social Isolation among the Older Population: Perspectives of Service Providers

Table 1

Characteristics of services that participated in the study.

Type of service
Direct intervention	73.9% (n = 17)
Structural enabler	13.0% (n = 3)
Foundation service	8.7% (n = 2)
Gateway service	4.3% (n = 1)
Location of service delivery
Local within Northern Ireland	52.2% (n = 12)
Multiple locations across Northern Ireland	43.5% (n = 10)
UK wide	4.3% (n = 1)
Service personnel
Paid staff only	47.8% (n = 11)
Volunteers only	17.4% (n = 4)
Mixture of paid staff and volunteers	34.8% (n = 8)
Number of service users supported
1–50 service users	21.7% (n = 5)
51–100 service users	34.8% (n = 8)
101+ service users	43.5% (n = 10)
Eligibility criteria for participation in service
Age	100% (n = 23)
Gender	30.4% (n = 7)
Health (physical or psychological)	47.8% (n = 11)
Home/community environment	39.1% (n = 9)
Geographical location	60.9% (n = 14)
Goals of the service
Reduction/alleviation of loneliness or social isolation	100% (n = 23)
Improvement of client well-being	60.9% (n = 14)
Facilitate community integration	56.5% (n = 13)
Direct provision of companionship or friendship	13.0% (n = 3)
Promote independent living	8.7% (n = 2)
Provision of care and support for vulnerable older people	8.7% (n = 2)
Reduction of poverty	4.3% (n = 1)
Reduction of inequalities	4.3% (n = 1)
Opportunities for new interests or learning	4.3% (n = 1)
Improve social connectedness among volunteer befrienders	4.3% (n = 1)
Provision of opportunities for new interests or learning	4.3% (n = 1)

Some services had several criteria or goals.