People involved in the Network
Around the FWBO there are people of a range of ages who have health and social care needs, and the average age of the 600 or so ordained people in UK is rising (approximately 47 yrs), with some people in their 70s-80s. This raises concerns, especially for people who have limited financial resources and/or limited personal support from friends/family etc.
Also there have been efforts in the past to develop work projects in the care field which would have a Buddhist foundation to them whilst serving the wider public. Focussing on longer-term care raises several questions, including the practicality of any proposed projects and the extent to which they are wanted by potential service-users.
In 2004 I registered for an M Phil research degree with my former employers, Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge and Chelmsford). This study seeks information about Buddhists' experiences of 'mainstream' health and social care services, and their views as to possible Buddhist-based care projects.
I interviewed a group of Buddhists with current care needs, another group of (usually 50 years plus) people who were asked to anticipate their preferences should care needs develop in the future, and a wider group of people who have particular experience and/or knowledge of relevant long-term care. From this material an 'open access' questionnaire was developed, and responses received and analysed. See this update on the research and its practical implications.
For more information, contact Dayasara (Martin Hillary) - E-mail