People
at the Centre of Networks
Focus Group
Dialogue
"If you
were describing your network, what would you say?"
"It's helping us through bad times and good."
Person at the centre
Key Issues
(What
the people at the centre of networks want the social audit to measure)
- To meet new
people
- To make a life
plan
- To have everyone
together
Dialogue
Participants
agreed the opportunity to meet new people was the most important aspect
of their network. Networks were reported as helpful in many ways.
One participant identified "new ideas and fresh faces"
that come with network members as being a positive experience. Overall
everyone was satisfied with his or her network but all reported a
need for additional members. One participant shared his network had
just grown with the addition of three new network members. When asked,
"what was it like before and after you had a network?" participants
all agreed having new friends as the difference networks made in their
lives.
Participants
reported the networks were "accomplishing new things, plus
attending to old business." Having a network to talk about
feelings with and to help organize a "life plan"
was identified as important. One network helped with dental work and
found housing and another acted as support in accessing resources
and people. Participants reported receiving support from their networks
either with day-to-day challenges or planning and achieving goals.
Network members had been assigned duties in some instances and support
from network members when parents were unavailable was appreciated.
It was noted networks were especially helpful when families were away.
Frustration was expressed in the case where plans changed and facilitators
or network members were unable to follow through. Transition from
one facilitator to another was referred to as being difficult and
the loss of a network or family member was described as a sad time.
- To
have everyone together
The
participants reported their networks brought people together to
provide
them with support. While "working as a team" was
noted as helpful,
participants agreed parent participation in the networks could be
challenging
at times. There was general consensus that the facilitator is key
to the success
of the network and changing facilitators was noted as a difficult
time emotionally.
Everyone confirmed his or her network was working well. One participant
concluded, "I am happier now". Another said, "You
need to work the phones
and keep in touch with the facilitator" while everyone
confirmed they were in
regular contact with their network members.
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