Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
M·E·L Research were commissioned to carry out an independent evaluation of the Keighley Community Health grants programme, a programme that aimed to improve health outcomes for people in Keighley by supporting both community groups and community businesses to engage with social prescribing.
We took a mainly qualitative approach to capture evidence as part of this evaluation during 2021, focusing on the views of organisations and key stakeholders involved rather than collecting statistical evidence about beneficiaries of the grants.
Before finishing the evaluation we also helped a stakeholder workshop in person in Keighley pulling together commissioners of healthcare services, community and voluntary organisations and healthcare practitioners, including social prescribers and health coaches. This took place in March 2022, helping to validate the findings from the evaluation and also providing firm pledges for action.
We were able to see how a closer connection with the VCS can support health initiatives. The evaluation has the potential to help support the further progression of the 1% discussions in and around Keighley to continue this community-based healthcare approach.
As part of the stakeholder workshop, an opportunity was present for those to publicly commit to do something. These pledges are even more powerful than evaluator recommendations as they are firmer commitments from those involved in commissioning and delivering community and healthcare services in Keighley.
