Evaluation
| How have we made a difference? | Don’t know | Strongly Agree |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced feelings of isolation and exclusion | 0% | 100% |
| Feel safer at home | 0% | 100% |
| I feel cared about | 0% | 100% |
| Boosted self-confidence and self-esteem | 1% | 99% |
| Improved health and well being | 1% | 99% |
| Improved knowledge of community services and events | 2% | 98% |
| Feel better connected to the community | 1% | 99% |
| Helped family, neighbours and friends by giving them peace of mind | 2% | 98% |
In their own words...
My life has inevitably slowed down, but Good Morning has helped me feel re-connected to life as it used to be. My children live abroad, old friends are mostly no longer alive and so I find Good Morning has opened up a lovely new world for me. Dorothy, 87 years
My independence means a lot to me. I can rely on a call every morning, and it makes me feel good. Being a member is helping me to live independently without fear. Jane, 84 years
Overall I feel a lot better and more alert. Their voices cheer me up and I do love to tell them how I’m keeping. I feel we are one with each other. Harriet, 91 years
I’m less isolated, it does you good to tell them your problems... I don’t feel so vulnerable. You don’t feel like another number. Four words to describe Good Morning: ‘never let you down’. Jean, 87 years
It makes me feel safe knowing that someone cares about me. Nora, 83 years
I do not feel I am on my own since I joined and I have made friends. I’m more confident now: I feel I can talk freely with people in general now. I look forward to my call each morning and in spite of inclement weather, it brightens up my day - you do feel someone cares for you. I do not feel so tensed up about things so much now and I feel more calm. Nancy, 82 years
I’m registered blind and I like the sound of another voice. All the callers are very chatty and interested in you. They don’t just give you a call, they want to know about your life: it’s wonderful. John, 89 years
It’s just like a having a member of the family. I’ve had a rotten time health wise recently, the team gave me a great boost and helped me so much just by their kind words and caring ways. Helen, 81 years
They’re special people...like my crutch, y’know — keep my mind off the drink. Jim, 77 years
I think of you as my family...you take time with me and all look after me. Marion, 81 years
I took a hypo during the night and if they hadn’t told my sister I could’ve just slipped away that morning. Margaret, 90 years
Telephone or Visitor Befriending?
Focus groups noted how telephone befriending is preferable to home befriending due to the non-intrusive nature of a telephone call."Living actively and independently in later life: How can we prevent social isolation?" North Glasgow Health Improvement Team and Community Older Persons Team, 2010.
Good Morning’s light touch support gives people the confidence to live alone, knowing help will be sent if a call remains unanswered and in valueing the friendships which are formed with Good Morning staff.