New research aims to stop organisations doubling up on the services they provide. Kirsten Grant reports
Social services on the Shore, including arts, sports and voluntary groups, are to undergo a stocktake for the first time. North Shore Community Social Services (NSCSS) is sending a questionnaire to all 240 members including
community groups as diverse as Age Concern and the Depot Artspace. Jo Newman is employed as the social policy researcher leading the project entitled Growing Research in Practice (GRIP). She says all groups with a social services component across a broad spectrum, including the Kaipatiki Project, Disability Information and Harbour Sport, will be surveyed. ''We are trying to look at the whole sector by including arts and sports groups. It's recognising that they contribute to the social services as well,'' says Jo. She says, traditionally, they haven't been included under the umbrella of social services. Social services executive officer Catherine McClintoch says over time a blurring of boundaries has occurred among the different social services such as art, sport and the environment. ''Now arts groups are doing a lot of work with mental health. Sport is now seen as a health benefit,'' says Mrs McClintoch. ''No research has been done for the sector. There isn't any research to say this is what's provided on the North Shore,'' says Miss Newman. The project's aim is to compile a complete picture on the Shore to help services work together better and not waste opportunities. ''It means people won't be providing the same services. NSCSS can provide information to its members saying these services are already provided but there's gaps." The GRIP idea was initiated by Massey and Auckland Universities. The study ends in October, but Miss Newman says similar studies could follow. For further information call 486 4820 or email Research@nscss.org.
