How do we measure impact?

We start from the point of looking at our ultimate goals, which are all based on the needs and views of those who benefit from our charitable activities.

We look at the steps we need to take to achieve these goals, the assumptions they are based on and the intermediate outcomes we are looking for along the way (Theory of Change).

Our activities are all based on research and evidence of what works and we include practice-based evidence in our approach too. Our sister organisation, the Charlie Waller Institute at the University of Reading, reviews our publications to ensure they are clinically sound and evidence based.

Mental health is social and relational so it is important to us that through our information and training we provide opportunities for listening, understanding and offering encouragement to children, young people and those who support them to find positive ways of looking after their mental wellbeing.

Our measures

• Data on activities we deliver.
• Evaluation of training including before and after measures of knowledge and confidence.
• Qualitative feedback including increased wellbeing and examples of changes in practice following our training and support.
• Case studies – a more in-depth look at the changes our work has helped to create.
• Asking schools, colleges and universities that we work in partnership with to measure their progress:
  • Universities are encouraged to use the Universities UK Stepchange self-assessment tool.
  • Colleges are encouraged to use the Association of Colleges mental health resource pack.
  • Schools are encouraged to use our Charlie Waller Schools Mental Health Partnership measurement tool.
• The results of research that we fund or participate in.
• Partnerships with other charities, where this meets a key objective for us.
• Policy development, including through the role of our Chief Executive, Clare Stafford, as Vice-Chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition.
• Involvement in fundraising activities and events, and growth in donations.
• Effective communication – our 2020 re-brand and re-launch of our website is helping us reach more people.
• Digital development – improving our efficiency, reaching more people with our charitable activities, and diversifying our fundraising.