Aunties and uncles co-operative family project : the experiences of children, volunteers and parents

B. Beale, L. Wilkes, B. Power, R. Beale

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: This paper reports on the experiences of the children (nieces and nephews), volunteers (aunts and uncles) and parents involved in the Aunties and Uncles Co-operative Family Project in Sydney, Australia. The project has run for 30 years as an extended family network of community volunteers and has never been evaluated. Methods: A survey comprising open-ended and closed questions relating to the service was administered to all stakeholders. Demographic data were collected on all respondents. The text from answers to open-ended questions on the survey was coded for similarities and differences and was categorized. From the categories, the experiences of children, volunteers and parents were written with exemplars from the respondents' text. Results: Three major categories emerged from the text: enjoyment/ satisfaction of the experience for volunteers, children and parents; family relationships; and the difference it has made to me (children, parents and volunteers). Conclusions: The long-term benefits of a supportive 'extended family type' relationship were recognized by all participants. Although the children were the primary focus of the project, parents and volunteers also described the rewards they experienced. The volunteer element was integral to providing the wide-ranging, ongoing supports which would not be possible from a paid staff basis.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)173-179
    Number of pages7
    JournalChild: Care, Health and Development
    Volume34
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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