Preventing and reducing loneliness and social isolation: a realist evaluation of the Foundation of Light’s Extra Time Hub programme

Abstract

This thesis explores the role that community sport for development (CSfD) may play in preventing and reducing loneliness and social isolation. Society’s awareness of loneliness and social isolation has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government lockdowns and restrictions which had a disproportionate effect on older people. To contribute to this area of inquiry, a realist evaluation of the Foundation of Light’s (FoL) Extra Time Hub (ETH) programme in Sunderland was conducted. The FoL is the official charity of Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC) and is classed as a football foundation. The realist evaluation utilised a number of different research methods including: observations, World Café, photovoice, focus group, and realist interviews. The novel application of the World Café and photovoice methods within the realist evaluation demonstrates the originality of the approach this thesis has taken. The thesis has three main findings: 1) the badge is not enough- it is not enough for football foundations to solely depend on their link with a professional football club; 2) CSfD has the potential to prevent, but not reduce loneliness and social isolation; and 3) relationships within CSfD matter- members of staff involved in CSfD are considered to be relational community practitioners, and this thesis explores the implications that this shift away from the role of the traditional sports coach has on the emotion management of practitioners. The research of this thesis matters because it is a timely investigation into how CSfD may be able to help prevent loneliness and social isolation in a post-pandemic world.

Date of Award	23 Nov 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Paul Potrac (Supervisor), Angela Bate (Supervisor) & Sonia Dalkin (Supervisor)