Evaluation of Headstart Phase 3 development and decision making progress

HeadStart is a strategic investment by Big Lottery Fund of up to £75m in 12 areas of England. The initiative aims to improve the mental health outcomes of young people aged 10 to 16. As part of their vision to put ‘people in the lead’ the Fund has taken a different approach to the support, development and decision-making for phase 3 of the HeadStart programme. CFE Research are undertaking an evaluation of this new way of working. Our evaluation includes depth-interviews with local partnerships seeking funding, organisations commissioned to provide support and Big Lottery Fund staff. The resulting report will provide learning and recommendations for implementing a similar approach in future.

Key project contact

Rachel Moreton

Rachel has over a decade’s experience in the public and voluntary sectors. She works on a range of research and evaluation projects, many of them aiming to improve the wellbeing of people who are disadvantaged or socially excluded. Rachel leads our nine-year evaluation of the National Lottery Community Fund’s Fulfilling Lives programme, which supports people affected by homelessness, offending, mental ill-health and substance misuse. She also regularly designs and delivers workshops and webinars on evaluation.

Contact: rachel.moreton@cfe.org.uk