Evaluation of the Cost of Living service

Impact on service users

• Community Connectors effectively supported service users in preparing for employment through various means, demonstrating an adaptable and proactive approach.

• People felt the service helped boost their confidence in finding employment again after a long-term absence from work.

• Valued the approach taken by the Community Connector to build rapport with them, acting with a kind, empathetic approach.

• Overall, professionals working in SEK felt that the service was positively impacting the lives of those it supported. This understanding was based on both the data collected using internal evaluation measures and the personal experience of working with the individuals

• Individuals moved into employment, gained better control over their finances, secured debt agreements and built knowledge and awareness on managing personal finances.

• Recognition that the support offered through the service targeted the wider determinants of health. This was considered essential to improving individual health by providing holistic support to enable them to gain employment, acquire skills, and build confidence. Subsequently leading to improved mental and physical health outcomes Implementation of service

• The CoL service prioritised a person-centred approach to providing support. This was noted and valued by individuals who used the service.

• The approach was evidence-led. Motivational Interviewing and Behaviour Change Techniques, such as action planning and goal setting, gather information about ideas, concerns, and expectations, enabling a personalised approach. This enabled the goals to be realistic and tailored to the individual.

• The successful delivery of the CoL service, including wider programmes such as the healthy eating initiative, was mainly due to the staff's knowledge, experience, and skills in managing and delivering the various work packages. It was acknowledged that SEK had delivered similar programmes before under different funding schemes, so it had the experience to support people who approached the service with various requests, including those at a crisis point with their finances.

• Having the flexibility to adapt the service from the initial specification facilitated an improved offer to individuals accessing the support.