Examples of OPP's Research Projects

Older People’s Vision for Long Term Care

A 12 month action research project commissioned by the Independent Living Committee of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and working with 4 study sites in England and Scotland to examine and explore options and opportunities for increasing voice, choice and control of older people living in care homes. April 2007-March 2008

Lothian Mental Health Improvement Programme

An 8 month research project working with 5 care homes in Lothian, Scotland, to identify opportunities for promoting and improving mental health and wellbeing for older residents of care homes. Commissioned by NHS Health Scotland and the Scotland Care Commission. March–October 2007

Learning from Experience

An 8 month research project for the UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Wellbeing in Later Life, to capture and reflect the direct experiences of older people with a range of mental health difficulties across the UK. Resulted in the publication Disregarded and Overlooked and informed the final report of the UK Inquiry. March-October 2006

Poole Older Learners

Research and development project for the Borough of Poole’s Connects Group on identifying older people’s experiences of adult learning opportunities in Poole, and aspirations for future learning opportunities to inform the development of an integrated education and wellbeing strategy for the Borough. October 2006-October 2007

Making A Difference Through Volunteering

A one year research project sponsored by the Lloyds TSB Foundation exploring the contribution of volunteers to the delivery of home and intermediate care in England and Wales. Commencing in May 2005, OPP was commissioned by CSV, British Red Cross and Help the Aged to develop and run this research project, based in six separate sites throughout England and Wales, to determine the contribution and impact of volunteers working in health and social care.