Experts by Experience Developing Homeless Services : The Own keys -project
Murto, Maria (2016)
Murto, Maria
Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201604295542
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201604295542
Tiivistelmä
ABSTRACT
Murto, Maria. Experts by experience developing homeless services – The Own keys –project. Diak south, Helsinki unit, spring 2016, 35 pages; 2 appendices.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Degree Program in Social Services,
Community Development, Bachelor of Social Services (UAS)
The aim of this study was to evaluate Own keys –project and identify its successful characteristics as well as challenges that occurred during the project. Based on this information the aim was also to present possible solutions to those challenges. Hopefully this thesis will then provide ideas on how to conduct a similar project in the future.
Qualitative research methods were used to execute this study.
Three experts by experience who worked in Own keys –project were interviewed individually. Thematic, half-structured interviews were used because it highlights the interviewees’ own interpretations and feelings more openly. The contents of interviews were analyzed thematically.
The findings of this study indicate that the main challenges were lack of resources, particularly lack of time which is essential for creating a trustful relationship with the service users and professional workers. Another main challenge was the fixed attitudes of professionals and their initial reluctance to move towards empowering ways of work.
The research findings also indicate that a positive change in attitudes is now initiated and co-operation between different actors is strengthened.
Key words: expert by experience, empowerment, homelessness, participation
Murto, Maria. Experts by experience developing homeless services – The Own keys –project. Diak south, Helsinki unit, spring 2016, 35 pages; 2 appendices.
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Degree Program in Social Services,
Community Development, Bachelor of Social Services (UAS)
The aim of this study was to evaluate Own keys –project and identify its successful characteristics as well as challenges that occurred during the project. Based on this information the aim was also to present possible solutions to those challenges. Hopefully this thesis will then provide ideas on how to conduct a similar project in the future.
Qualitative research methods were used to execute this study.
Three experts by experience who worked in Own keys –project were interviewed individually. Thematic, half-structured interviews were used because it highlights the interviewees’ own interpretations and feelings more openly. The contents of interviews were analyzed thematically.
The findings of this study indicate that the main challenges were lack of resources, particularly lack of time which is essential for creating a trustful relationship with the service users and professional workers. Another main challenge was the fixed attitudes of professionals and their initial reluctance to move towards empowering ways of work.
The research findings also indicate that a positive change in attitudes is now initiated and co-operation between different actors is strengthened.
Key words: expert by experience, empowerment, homelessness, participation