Capturing the impact of the living life to the full wellbeing programme within a church community

Description

A psychoeducation programme, the Churches Together Wellbeing Programme was run in eight sites across in Northampton, UK from September 2013. The programme was based on the Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) course developed by Professor Chris Williams (University of Glasgow). Twenty volunteers were trained to facilitate the programme, which was delivered to 10 cohorts over an eight-week period. Ninety-two people attended the programme and an initial evaluation by a project team at the University of Northampton measured participant’s level of pre/post-anxiety, depression and wellbeing. This paper presents the follow-up study of interviews conducted with participants 6-months post programme conclusion, to understand the impact of participation.
To explore the impact on the personal wellbeing of the participants taking part in the Churches Together Wellbeing Programme. To evaluate the perceptions of effects of the LLTTF course on participant’s relationships, peer support, social networks, and psycho-hygiene practices.
To explore the impact of participation in the Churches Together Wellbeing Programme from the perspective of the facilitators, attendees and those who attended but did not complete the full programme.
Interviews were conducted with four facilitators, eight attendees and one non-completing attendee. This qualitative approach was adopted to compliment the quantitative methods of the original study. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six steps for thematic data analysis.
Results: A number of key themes were identified; these included the ease of use and usefulness of the course, ongoing use of the techniques, the perceived effects of the course, the value of the group environment and benefit of refresher sessions.
The course had a positive effect on perceived wellbeing for attendees and facilitators. Positive changes in quality of life, emotional wellbeing, relationships and perceived physical health were reported 6-months post intervention. The programme equipped facilitators and attendees with the tools to continue using psycho-hygiene practices.

Period	1 Apr 2015
Event title	International Mental Health Congress (IMHC) 2015: Mental Health for All: Connecting People and Sharing Experience
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	Local