Positive Impact Project Evaluation

Stakeholders consistently described the Positive Impact Project's (PIP) approach as 'woman-centered' and 'holistic.' This means the service is tailored to meet the individual needs of each woman, rather than forcing them into pre-defined categories or services. One stakeholder emphasized that the project 'bases it around the women and their needs,' creating a warm and welcoming environment to build their confidence. Another described how the project works with women facing diverse issues, including domestic abuse and eating disorders, providing advocacy and helping them access appropriate services. The flexible, individualised approach acknowledges that some women prefer one-on-one support, while others might benefit from group settings, highlighting the project's responsiveness and adaptability to individual needs and circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that the entire person is addressed, not just isolated elements of their challenges.

The PIP's outreach component proved invaluable for women facing barriers to accessing mainstream services. One stakeholder, who undertakes significant outreach work, explained the challenges faced by women, particularly those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, in accessing services due to domestic violence and other issues. By engaging with women in safe community settings—such as school parent rooms or community centers—the outreach work actively removes geographical and social barriers to accessing support. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional service models, demonstrating a commitment to reaching those who might be unable or unwilling to actively seek help through traditional channels. Furthermore, the importance of cultural sensitivity was highlighted, recognizing that language barriers and cultural differences can significantly impact a woman’s access to and engagement with services. The flexibility of offering support in community locations allows the service to actively reach those most in need.

A crucial aspect highlighted by stakeholders was the project's non-time-limited support model. Many existing services are constrained by funding limitations, which prevents them from offering the sustained support often required by women with complex issues. In contrast, the PIP's structure allows them to support women 'for as long as she needs to move forward,' acknowledging the often protracted nature of recovery. One stakeholder explained that the service is not time-limited as long as women continue making progress towards their goals; the ultimate aim being for women to no longer require intervention. This contrasts significantly with other services limited by funding cycles, highlighting the long-term benefits of a sustained, supportive approach. The model emphasizes empowering women to achieve lasting, independent solutions, rather than relying on short-term interventions.

The power of peer support within the PIP's group sessions was emphasized by several stakeholders. Women, often facing similar challenges, found support and encouragement from each other. This sense of community proved crucial in tackling feelings of isolation and enabling the formation of friendships that extended beyond the project itself. The creation of a 'non-judgmental space' where women can openly share experiences and support one another is strategically facilitated by the service. However, the need for careful management of group dynamics to ensure this remains a supportive environment was also acknowledged. The emphasis is on empowerment through shared experience and mutual understanding. This aspect demonstrates how the project goes beyond simply providing individual support, offering a vital component for reducing isolation and building resilience.

The importance of well-trained and supported staff was repeatedly emphasized by stakeholders. The work is emotionally demanding, dealing with women who have experienced significant trauma, and staff need to be equipped with the skills and support to handle this effectively. The need for staff who are 'robust enough' to work with 'quite damaged ladies' was highlighted, emphasizing the need for appropriate preparation and ongoing support to prevent burnout and ensure high-quality service delivery. The challenges of engagement, especially with women who have been mandated to participate, were also discussed, with the emphasis on creating a safe and welcoming environment to foster a willingness to participate actively in the process. This underscores the importance of considering the well-being and emotional needs of the staff themselves, acknowledging the demanding nature of the work and its impact on service delivery. Adequate staffing and training are key to providing effective support.

The Positive Impact Project (PIP) receives referrals from a variety of sources, demonstrating its accessibility and integration within the wider support network. Referrals originate from doctors, social workers, and probation services, showcasing the project's established connections and collaborative relationships with other agencies. Importantly, women also self-refer, indicating a trust in the program and its ability to meet their needs. This multi-faceted referral system highlights the PIP's role as a vital component of a more comprehensive support structure, able to reach women through various pathways and connect them to the services they need. The diverse sources indicate a broad recognition of the PIP's value and effectiveness within the community.

While the PIP strives to support women, service engagement presents challenges. Some women initially resist engagement, particularly those mandated by other professionals. However, experiences show that even those initially reluctant often come to value the program once involved. One service user noted that compulsory attendance, while initially unwelcome, ultimately ensured consistent engagement. This highlights the effectiveness of the project's approach despite initial reluctance, which may stem from past negative experiences. The program's ability to create a supportive environment where trust can be built is crucial for overcoming initial resistance and fostering genuine engagement. This experience contrasts sharply with the experiences of other services, demonstrating the importance of a client-centered approach.

The importance of building strong, trusting relationships between service users and caseworkers is repeatedly emphasized. Participants reported that connecting with their caseworker is crucial for the effectiveness of the service. Positive relationships were described as supportive and essential for progress, creating a sense of safety and shared understanding that allows for more open communication and more profound engagement. Conversely, lack of connection with the caseworker was identified as a significant barrier, indicating that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is paramount to program effectiveness. The personal connection fosters a safe space, creating an environment conducive to trust and openness, which is critical for addressing sensitive and often deeply personal issues.

Several service users emphasized the significance of feeling safe and understood within the Well Women Centre. The gender-specific nature of the space, free from the presence of men, was highlighted as particularly crucial for women who have experienced abuse. The ability to openly discuss sensitive topics, such as the emotional impact of child contact arrangements, was underscored as a unique benefit not always found in other services. The safe space allows women to express complex emotions without fear of judgment or further harm, creating an environment where healing can occur. This creates an environment of trust and mutual respect, where women feel empowered to share their experiences and work through their challenges without fear of judgment or re-traumatization.

Stakeholders identified several areas for improvement to enhance the Positive Impact Project's (PIP) accessibility and reach. A key recommendation was to increase the availability of evening group sessions, currently limited to daytime hours, to accommodate women who work. Providing childcare provision was also suggested as a mechanism to further broaden participation. These suggestions address practical barriers that may prevent some women from attending groups, highlighting the need for flexible scheduling and supportive resources to maximize inclusivity. Expanding accessibility will allow the PIP to better serve the diverse needs of a wider range of women in the community.

The importance of adequately prepared and supported staff is a recurring theme in the recommendations for the future of the PIP. Stakeholders emphasized the need to select staff robust enough to handle the emotional intensity and severity of the issues presented by the service users. It was noted that some initial staff members lacked sufficient preparation for the demands of the work, underscoring the need for comprehensive training and ongoing support. This includes providing mechanisms for staff to process their experiences and preventing burnout through adequate supervision and resources. Investing in staff well-being is directly linked to the quality of service delivery and the program's long-term success.

Service users and stakeholders highlighted systemic failures within the wider support system, leading to some women not receiving the timely or appropriate help they need. This points to a broader need for systemic reform and greater inter-agency collaboration. Concerns were also raised regarding the vulnerability of the PIP's future, with one stakeholder expressing concern about the potential difficulties for women if funding were to cease, given that the PIP provides a unique service not currently replicated elsewhere in Wakefield. This concern emphasizes the importance of securing long-term funding for the program and its crucial role in the community. The service’s continued operation is critical for addressing the complex needs of women in the Wakefield area.