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Transport Survey...Methodology |
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Community
Transport in
the upper Rhondda Fawr - a study for Abergorci Community Hall Meurig
Parri 3.
Methodology
3.1.
The study used a qualitative rather than quantative approach to
achieve its objectives. Many people came forward to volunteer
information, and this was very welcome. However particular
attention was given to finding and learning the views of those
‘hard to reach’ people and groups whose stories and opinions
remain virtually unknown, despite research work in their
communities. These almost ‘invisible’ people are usually the
ones who suffer social exclusion, have most difficulty accessing
services including transport services, and remain most pessimistic
about the possibility of improvement in those services.
3.2.
It was discovered at an early stage that a degree of ‘survey
fatigue’ exists in the area. There have been a lot of surveys
and studies undertaken over recent years, and many people appear
to have little faith in such work leading to concrete improvements
in their quality of life.
3.3.
The following chronology was followed;
•
Agreement
with the contact officer in Abergorci Hall regarding detailed objectives
and methodology.
•
Familiarisation
with the geography, social and political structure, transport
network, community activities and information resources of the
area.
•
Study of
results of the Abergorci Community Hall community survey in 2002.
•
Using
immediately available information, interviews in person and by phone
with representatives of community organisations, RCT CB Council
elected members and officials, and with identified key individuals
within the community.
•
Using
information collected in the first level of interviews, and by observation,
seeking hard to reach people within the community who were thought
to have transport difficulties; contacting them; negotiating
access; and conducting interviews. The aim was to interview a
representative sample of people and organisations who have views
to contribute, and a representative sample of people and
organisations who would be potential customers for CT3.
•
Seeking
contributions by publicity in newspapers and through public display
of posters.
•
Holding a
public meeting in Treherbert.
•
Speaking at
meetings of community groups.
•
Making a
‘Transport Needs Map’ with young people at Alison House Youth
Centre, Cwmparc.
•
E-mail
correspondence with political representatives.
•
Undertaking a
small scale street survey in Treorci (see Appendix 3).
•
Research
using printed and internet resources. See Appendix 4 for publications
which were referenced.
•
Use of a
postal survey to 106 organisations who were not interviewed.
•
Use of
leaflets for distribution at Blaenrhondda fete and by RCT CB Council
Community Care Department.
•
Collection of
information regarding existing CT operations in the area.
•
Analysis,
confirmation and collation of information collected.
•
Preparation
of the final report.
3.4.
Although there are obvious and frequent overlaps, it was useful to
collect information where possible under headings which reflect
most transport needs in which CT has a role:
•
Non-Emergency
Patient Transport
•
Work and
Further Education / Vocational Training
•
Transport
Needs of Young People
•
Shopping and
Access to Services
•
Transport
Needs of Older People
•
Transport
Needs of People with Disabilities
•
Community
Activities
•
Sports and
Leisure activities
•
Social
Contacts
3.5.
All who were involved in the study were informed;
•
Of the
purpose of the study, details of the lead body (Abergorci Hall),
and of the support of RCT CB Council.
•
That there
was no guarantee that any recommendations made would necessarily
be implemented.
3.6.
In addition, people interviewed as individuals were informed that
their personal details would remain confidential. Contributions
were accepted through the medium of English or Welsh, as people
wished. Communication with all those contacted for purposes of the
study was approximately 85% in English and 15% in Welsh.
3.7.
This study reflects circumstances as they exist at the time of the
study only. *
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