Background

The Southampton Eating Difficulties Peer Support Network (EDPSN) launched in 2023 to provide peer support to adults who either have eating difficulties/disorders themselves or are supporting someone else with these difficulties.

The network provides group, one-to-one and online peer support.

My work

This evaluation was undertaken early following the network launch and is exploratory in nature. It aimed to understand how the network is currently operating and the impact is having in order to inform changes and improvements as it is further developed and scaled. It also explored the range of outcomes and impacts that the service may have for both the service users and the volunteers, the mechanisms by which positive outcomes and impact are achieved, and any relevant contextual factors.

Overall, the network exhibited promise in delivering effective peer support, with both users and volunteers reporting positive experiences.

The evaluation recommendations centred around continuing to offer and promote the network, developing and optimising it to address emerging issues, and embedding evaluation and monitoring into routine operations.

The evaluation findings will guide SCIA/Options in how to best proceed with developing a safe, engaging supportive peer network. SCIA/Options will also use the evaluation to support them with attracting further funding and developing further partnerships to sustain and grow the network.  

Funder

SCIA

Reports and links

Evaluation Report_EDPSN_SCiA and Options Jan 24

Eating Disorder Peer Support Network

 

 

Background

Brigstowe is a Bristol charity providing support and services for people living with HIV.

Brigstowe delivers ‘Positive Voices’, a set of services for people living with HIV which are delivered by other people living with HIV. It aims to improve their emotional wellbeing, social inclusion and HIV self-management. It also aims to reduce stigma by improving professional expertise and attitudes. 

My work

This evaluation explored the impact of Positive Voices, gathered learning for project improvement, investigated challenges and successes, ascertained the value it provides, and explored how it should further develop. 

Methods included document review, analysis of service delivery and service user feedback data and interviews with a range of people involved in co-ordinating, delivering and participating in Positive Voices.

The evaluation found Positive Voices continues to be effective in achieving its aims. Findings demonstrates how it positively impacts the psychological, social and physical well-being of people living with HIV, sometimes in life-changing ways.  Eleven recommendations were made which relate to optimising Positive Voices delivery and/or extending the impressive impact already achieved.

Brigstowe are using the evaluation findings to support future funding bids, promote and raise awareness of the services, and develop an action plan to optimise and extend Positive Voices.

Funder

The evaluation was commissioned by Brigstowe, who were funded to deliver Positive Voices via the National Lottery Community Fund

Related Reports and Links

Positive Voices Evaluation- Summary version April 2024

Positive Voices Evaluation- Full version April 2024

https://www.brigstowe.org/help-support/1-1-advice-support/

 

 

Image by Diva Plavalaguna on Pexels :  close-up-of-people-bumping-fists-6146704