Way of Life, Big Lottery Fund: Programme support and evaluation
Because of our work
- Way of Life could focus resources on models whose effectiveness was based on evidence.
- Its projects worked to deliver clear outcomes.
- Fewer projects failed.
- Stronger partnerships were forged.
- Our research added to the growing base of evidence that community- based approaches to lifestyle changes can help to address obesity problems.
Way of Life was a strategic programme promoting a linked approach to healthy eating and exercise. It worked with families in Wales through community-based projects and is one of two programmes to come from the Healthy Families Initiative. The programme supported 14 pilot projects with different delivery models.
We were asked to support the projects, their self-evaluation, and their tracking of soft outcomes.
Stage one: developing the projects. We consulted with experts and explored existing evidence to develop three delivery models which the programme could pilot. We then ran a series of seminars, workshops, events and direct meetings to promote and explain the programme; generating 66 expressions of interest.
Stage two: Developing partnerships and self-evaluation. We developed a range of tools, some web-based, to support the projects’ self-evaluation. We also developed a website and published e-bulletins in Welsh and English to promote the projects. Much of our work with Way of Life was face-to-face. We made regular visits to all 14 projects, ran 20 workshops, and held regular clinics and events. Three national conferences focused on the programme’s progress.
Stage three: evaluation. The BIG Lottery Fund later commissioned us to evaluate the programme. To do this, we drew upon academic research, quantitative data and self-evaluation data. We also used a range of tools to measure soft outcomes: Rickter Scale, Most Significant Change, 18 focus groups, 6 case studies, 14 surveys and workshops.
“Having the support of Hall Aitken has been such a valuable asset to our project in terms of clarity and direction, the experience and advice given has contributed greatly in order to achieve desired outcomes.”