Centre for Mental Health has a long history of evaluating innovative interventions and approaches, from national programmes like the Better Mental Health Fund to local programmes like Project Future and Centre 33. Our evaluations help uncover and understand what works to address health inequalities. They establish the evidence base for effective support for people with mental health problems.
We are specialists in translating complex outcome data into practical, actionable recommendations. Our expertise in mental health includes children and young people, the criminal justice system, employment, veterans, and physical and mental health.
Our approach to evaluating services and programmes
We work arm-in-arm with our partners to ensure that evaluations are relevant to all stakeholders and represent a variety of perspectives. All our work is bespoke, and may include:
- Consultation with practitioners, commissioners, and service users
- Training and deploying peer evaluators
- Literature reviews to establish local context and identify comparable services
- Health economics and cost-benefit analysis
- Ongoing productive advice to shape or improve services
- Awareness of policy and in-depth understanding of the political and commissioning landscape for mental health.
We work with a range of partners, from NHS Trusts to small charities and community organisations.
Why us?
Our evaluations help drive change in mental health support and policy across the country. We share relevant findings across political boundaries, agencies and communities to amplify learning, celebrate positive practice and effect real system change. We disseminate best practice and key learning points to our extensive cross-sector networks, from integrated care system commissioners to local councillors, and via our large digital audiences and bespoke events.
We’re trusted by policymakers nationally for our independence, authoritative analysis and authenticity. We equip providers with the means to measure impact and communicate the evidence for investment. And when we identify interventions that work, we take them to commissioners and decision makers locally, nationally and internationally to support better practice and shape fairer policies.
Recent examples of our mental health evaluations work
- BBC Children in Need’s A Million & Me programme
- Centre 33’s enhanced mental health service for young people with complex needs
- The Young Changemakers programme
- Project Future’s work at Bruce Grove youth club in Haringey
- The Shifting the Dial community programme to promote young Black men’s mental health
- Comic Relief’s Thriving Not Just Surviving programme
- Rethink Mental Illness’s therapy dogs in prisons programme
If you would like to talk to us about an evaluation of your service, please contact Jenny Banks at jenny.banks@centreformentalhealth.org.uk
