Across the Generations: Old People and Young Volunteers

This book provides a detailed and vivid picture of the work of young volunteers working with the elderly, and examines the wider issue of how voluntary work can be evaluated. It suggests possible changes in the organisation of the work to increase the success rate of volunteer agencies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Voluntary work has garnered both praise and criticism, but it has rarely been subjected to objective evaluation. Given the significant role of the voluntary sector in social services at the time, the lack of systematic research into its performance raised concerns. Originally published in 1975, this study holds particular value due to its twofold approach. Firstly, it offers a detailed and vivid portrayal of the work of young volunteers engaging with the elderly. Secondly, it delves into the broader issue of evaluating voluntary work. The volunteers studied were organized through Task Force, a London-based agency, but the substantive and research issues discussed had far-reaching relevance. A significant part of the study focused on examining the development of relationships between a group of older individuals and the volunteers assigned to them over a period of twelve months. The authors developed a novel method for assessing success in these relationships. They then explored potential reasons for the successes and failures observed in the relationships studied. By proposing changes in the organization of volunteer work, the authors aimed to enhance the success rate of volunteer agencies.

This book holds significance for anyone interested in understanding the role of voluntary work in society. At the time of its publication, it would have been of particular importance to staff and members of organizations engaged in voluntary social service, social workers, social administrators, and individuals aspiring to join their ranks.

The book is based on an eighteen-month field study conducted by Task Force, with Roger Hadley and Adrian Webb serving as the research directors, and Christine Farrell as the research officer.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032074658