We want to provide an update on the ELLY project and what we’ve been up to. First of all we’d like to thank everyone for offering their help and time to design this programme. We’ve been very keen from the outset that this project be about working with the community for the community. This means creating an intervention that has been asked for!
Since 1st July 2022 when the project officially started we have been spending time in the communities and getting to know what people like and dislike about where they live. But most importantly we’ve been finding out what we can do to support them to stay well! What we’ve put together is still in draft form and we will be aiming to confirm any details with you at various pop-up cafes throughout January and February – otherwise you can get in touch to give us any feedback (Elly@stir.ac.uk).
Read on for a short summary of the intervention we have put together so far.
Recruitment & Baseline measurements
First up is the important part – getting people on board! We’re currently discussing the best way to do this but if you live in the Westfield or Denny area and would like to be involved please get in touch! (Elly@stir.ac.uk). Keep an eye out for posters or flyers through your door.
It’s important to measure before we put any programme into place, otherwise we won’t be able to reliably say what made the difference. So we are planning on measuring mental well-being and weight (we use this to calculate body mass index – read more here) and putting equal focus on both – because the project is about encouraging and supporting people to stay well! As well as this we plan on sitting down to discuss any goals that you may have that you wanted to achieve during the 3-month intervention.
Intervention
After the measurements we’ll get started with our intervention which has three main parts;
- Goal setting and a commitment to trying to achieve that goal.
- Weekly soup served at a local community cafe.
- Encouraging and rewarding you for attending activities in your local area.
Throughout the intervention we’d like you to attend just two activities a week in your area. When you attend one of our pre-picked activities, you’ll be given a stamp on your card. We’re looking for a total of 24 stamps across the 12 weeks to ensure you get your full reward.
Measurements (again!) and rewards
After the 3-month period is up we want to test whether the programme has made a difference to your wellbeing so we need to measure you again! We’ll use the same measurements as before the intervention (height/weight/mental well-being) and at this point it would be great for you to tell us a bit more about your experiences. Maybe what things you liked or disliked or what might have better helped you to stay well.
If you have achieved your goal and attended the right amount of activities you will be rewarded. Simple as that!
We’re looking forward to continuing to work with you all. If you would like more information or to let us know you’re interested you can reach us at Elly@stir.ac.uk or contact us here.