Exploring the needs for social inclusion in rural Ireland: Ballinora a case study

This research was carried out on behalf of Ballinora and District Community Association in conjunction with Community Academic Research Links. This is an initiative by UCC to work with a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) to assist in research they wish to pursue. In this case by a Masters of Social Policy student to explore the needs for social inclusion in Ballinora by way of facilitated research. Primary research was undertaken by focus group methodology and the views, ideas and feelings of the participants on living in a rural community were transcribed and analysed for the purpose of the research. A literature review appraisal on both active retirement groups and rural living for older persons was undertaken to aid the research. The research contributes to social inclusion and active retirement and provides in the findings support for the creation of such a grou