Evaluation of Plymouth Pathfinder
Client: Active Devon (on behalf of Plymouth City Council)
Duration: 2.5 years
Funder: Sport England
Overview:
The Social Research Unit (formerly SERIO) was commissioned to undertake the evaluation of the Plymouth Pathfinder programme, which aimed to maximise the benefits physical activity can bring to two cohorts of children and young people with the most potential to gain; those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACE); and those who have special educational needs (SEN).
Objectives for the project:
Using a person-centred approach, the programme aimed to:
Help a cohort of children and young people in Plymouth to maximise their potential, develop coping strategies and tools to support them into adulthood and to support the next generation of families
Support the creation of a Plymouth-wide transitional system that works to help young people with SEN and those who have experienced childhood trauma to maximise their potential
The Social Research Unit’s evaluation approach:
The evaluation took a realism evaluation approach, which acknowledged that the Plymouth Pathfinder intervention could not be looked at in isolation from wider system influences and conditions. Within this approach the evaluation included an exploration of quantitative outcome measures, complemented by qualitative insight gathered through semi-structured interviews and the use of in-depth insights where appropriate
A stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken to visually demonstrate the Plymouth Pathfinder network and connections and highlight how the system network and interconnections had grown and changed throughout the duration of the Plymouth Pathfinder programme
Outcomes and impacts:
Identification of what works, for whom and in what circumstances
Improved outcomes for individual young people, including increased levels of mental wellbeing, increased levels of confidence, increased levels of physical activity and improved relationships
Strengthened relationships amongst stakeholders
Stakeholder learning, including increased understanding of trauma-informed approaches, increased recognition of individual needs and differences in coping abilities, and increased recognition of the value of collaborative working at all levels.
Development of an evidence base of key learning to inform future delivery to help maximise positive outcomes going forward
“We worked closely with colleagues at the Social Research Unit (formerly SERIO) for two years on the external evaluation of our Plymouth Pathfinder work. The surveys and interviews, both at the outset and completion of the work resulted in a comprehensive report that proved insightful in identifying the future direction of this work. Collaborating in the way we did enabled us to understand how best to engage with vulnerable young people and the adults they come across in future.”