Be Well Programme Evaluation
Earlier this summer we published our 2nd independent evaluation of our Be Well programme. The report, completed by Renaissi between Sept 2024 and January 2025, includes information across our Be Well sites, interviews with Be Well leaders and NHS and local authority partners and case studies. The evaluation highlights:
1. The tailored and responsive wrap around support provided by community organisers and the South London Listens project team which builds confidence and organisational effectiveness.
2. Access to high quality training – Be Well sites have identified that they value both access to mental health, community organising and on-going training eg on trauma informed approaches, signposting, managing change, understanding health systems etc. Equipping organisations with skills that they can apply to their work, and enabling them to strengthen the support they offer to participants.
3. Rooted in communities: The evaluation found that given Be Well sites are rooted in local communities, with established trust and understanding of local needs, they are often best place to drive meaningful change.
4. Strong and diverse networks. The evaluation found that Be Well creates opportunities for organisations to connect, learn from each other and collaborate. A strong example of this includes the Men’s mental health provider network, which brought providers together from across boroughs. It enabled organisations to share learning around practice, understanding health systems and how to gain funding.
5. One of the most powerful enablers of change is closer ties with the wider ecosystem and decision-makers: the strength of Be Well networks—particularly where local stakeholders such as public health teams, local authorities, and NHS partners have been actively engaged.
The report goes on to recommend that the programme:
- Creates more opportunities for Be Well leaders to come together, network, exchange ideas and collaborate.
- Strengthen the programmes narrative in order to create maximum impact.
- Strengthen feedback loops and programme metrics.
- Support leaders in developing independent relationships with decision-makers, strengthening collaboration with health and social care systems.
- Consider increased targeted outreach with a focus on equity and strengthening signposting.
You can read the full report here