Trussell: Evaluation of Help through Hardship local 2023-24

Trussell commissioned us to conduct an external evaluation of one of their pilot partnership projects, Help through Hardship local. This pilot project was co-designed to explore how partnership working between Local Citizens Advice, local Minds’ and Trussell food banks could work and be tested at a local level, with the ultimate aim of exploring how people facing both financial hardship and mental health problems could be supported through a ’no wrong door’ approach. The project operated in six areas of England and Wales. We were commissioned to help the three partners understand how effective the Help through Hardship local co-ordinator role is and the difference this has been making to clients. 

The methodological approach included analysis of operational data from the six sites to explore reach; demographics; impact and service review. Interviews were also conducted with the Help through Hardship local coordinators at multiple points in time and representatives from the Tri-partnership were interviewed at each pilot site. We also completed qualitative interviews with 30 clients to discuss their experiences of support and the impact this had on them. Clients were facing a wide-range of challenges including trauma, addictions and severe mental illness – all experienced financial and mental health problems.                                                                                         

A full report was produced and key findings presented back to the tri-partnership. The research ultimately helped the Tri-partnership plan for the future and prioritise future projects.