development HAIRE toolkit

Within the HAIRE project we are working on the development of a toolkit in practice. It consists of three parts.

– Neighbourhood Analysis Tool
– Guided Conversation Tool (in collaboration with Exeter University)
– Social Network Analysis Tool (in collaboration with Plymouth University)

Use of the tools
For HAIRE we work on the empowerment of elderly people in rural areas whilst doing research at the same time. Professionals and volunteers can use the tools as an easy conversation starter. Problems and challenges are often shared during these conversations. Solutions can then immediately be sought out together. The tools are more than just convenient conversation starters by the way; they lend structure to these talks.

Welfare and health
The conversations give an impression of the welfare and health of individuals. But at the same time you get a more general impression – the bigger picture and start to see how everything is connected. The Neighbourhood Analysis Tool that we developed is a particularly nifty tool in this regard.

Various levels
The way the tool is developed fits right in with our work approach. The tools are easy to use and they are not just being used for research. The tools and how they function are researched as well and we also check how they can be improved. That is very worthwhile as well.

Application
SMWO uses the tools in Goes. Vrijwilligershuis Borsele has started using them in’s-Heerenhoek, just as well as students from Erasmus University. Students from the Hoornbeeck College are currently involved in a Social network Analysis in Goes and in the autumn of 2021 students from HZ University of Applied Sciences will join the project as well.

Discussion of Neighbourhood Analysis in ‘s-Heerenhoek