net worth of networks

activeconnectedincluded

WHY SOCIAL NETWORKS ARE IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US

ABSTRACT

“Actual and perceived social isolation are both associated with increased risk for early mortality. In this meta-analytic review, our objective is to establish the overall and relative magnitude of social isolation and loneliness and to examine possible moderators. We conducted a literature search of studies (January 1980 to February 2014) using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar. The included studies provided quantitative data on mortality as affected by loneliness, social isolation, or living alone. Across studies in which several possible confounds were statistically controlled for, the weighted average effect sizes were as follows: social isolation odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, loneliness OR = 1.26, and living alone OR = 1.32, corresponding to an average of 29%, 26%, and 32% increased likelihood of mortality, respectively. We found no differences between measures of objective and subjective social isolation. Results remain consistent across gender, length of follow-up, and world region, but initial health status has an influence on the findings. Results also differ across participant age, with social deficits being more predictive of death in samples with an average age younger than 65 years. Overall, the influence of both objective and subjective social isolation on risk for mortality is comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality. “

“Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review”

Julianne Holt-Lunstad (2010)

“Low social interaction as high a risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes daily or being an alcoholic, and twice the risk factor of obesity.”

WHAT NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORKS IS AND DOES

• founded in Scotland in 2000 - sister organisation, KeyRing, founded in London in 1990 activeconnectedincluded

mission

working with people in our neighbourhoods to support each other,

to live independently in our own homes and to follow our dreams

“Together anything is possible!” activeconnectedincluded

model

• people living close to each other• people receiving flexible support from someone living locally

(Community Living Worker)• Community Living Worker facilitating mutual support,

community connection, & citizenship outcomes

activeconnectedincluded

• Community Living Worker works 16 hours/week

• 9-12 “members” living locally in own homes or with relatives

• shares the 16 hours of Community Living Worker time

• has access to out-of-hours back-up

each network

support

• flexible • negotiated• at different times of day, evening

weekend• mutual and reciprocal • increased at short notice to meet

crises as they occur

benefits for members

• in control of what they do and when they do it• valued through being supported to use existing skills• respected as support is only provided when needed• more independent through being encouraged to

share their skills and support each other• connected to communities through facilitation and

participation

• prevention - members are less likely to get into crisis; early recognition when life is becoming difficult

• cost-effectiveness and efficiency - paying for support it is needed

• resilience and health benefits – people less isolated, more likely to learn new skills

benefits for public services

UP-SIDE

citizenship outcomes

• keeping my independence • more friendships and relationships • having more chances to work and learn• doing more things in my community • taking decisions important to me• being safe and free from harm

DOWN-SIDE

fragile infrastructure

• too much “ad hoc-ery”

• post-code variability

• social care eligibility

• funding instability

wrong end of the telescope?

• a focus on stigmatised and marginalised groups within communities?

instead of

• a focus on the whole community and all the assets it contains?

do we just pay lip service?

• we know vitally important this is

“Low social interaction as high a risk factor for early death as smoking 15

cigarettes daily or being an alcoholic, and twice the risk factor of obesity.”

• but do we really put our money where our mouths are?

do we just pay lip service?

• there are others in this world, people not at risk of social exclusion, and confident in their own power

• who nonetheless grasp the importance of networks and put them to use in a seriously intense way…………

Your Network Is Your Net Worth: 7 Ways To Build Social Capital

“a strong network is like money in the bank. Your

network can help you build visibility, connect you with

influencers, and open up doors for new opportunities”

“building and nurturing a network is one of the most

powerful things you can do to support your career

advancement”

Bonnie Marcus Forbes Leadership