Appendix E - Participation groups and community conferencing

Summary

Conference 1: November 2001

“Our Changing Community”

Each session was followed by small group discussions, each facilitated by two members of the research team. All discussions were tape-recorded. Refreshments were available in the morning and in the afternoon, and all who attended were entered into a raffle prize draw. On average, 17 residents attended each of the four sessions. The material as presented to the residents was also given to the manager of the village for her information. A brief summary of the conference was written up for the Village newsletter, which was distributed to all residents.

Conference 2: November 2002

“Our Changing Community, A Year On: How Has Our Community Changed?”

The same general format was adopted as for the first conference. A 10-page summary of the conference was distributed to all residents in the village, and to the management and staff teams.

Conference 3: September 2003

“Presentation of Research Findings: New Lifestyles in Old Age: Health, Identity and Well-being in Retirement Communities”

All stakeholders and residents who had participated in the research were invited to attend this one-day conference.