In this blog post, the team reflects on the research fieldwork that is currently underway in the case study sites
Since phase 1 of the evaluation of Growing Health Together (‘GHT’) is now complete, phase 2, which continues until March 2024, is well underway, with data collection taking place in each of three selected GHT case study sites in East Surrey: Horley, Redhill and South Tandridge.
To date, 27 Interviews have been conducted with: individuals working in primary care/public health/social care who have knowledge or experience of working with GHT; those involved in the development and/or delivery GHT activities; and the community members participating in the programmes.
The research team has also visited several GHT groups to observe how they run and speak to group leads and participants about their experiences. Additionally, 19 responses have been received to an online questionnaire that gathers information from those involved in GHT regarding how ‘normal’ the implementation of GHT is now viewed.
As the data collection continues, there is a sense emerging that GHT is helping to address social isolation and health inequalities and is empowering individuals to better manage their health and become more involved in their local community. Connections between and across communities and the organisations that serve them have also been enhanced by the GHT approach. The research team looks forward to sharing preliminary themes in due course, but for now we leave you with a couple of quotes from two evaluation participants – a community member and a GHT group leader:
Going there and working with other people who are keen on gardening is magnificent. You can talk to them about something that you have in common. And you can get to know them that way a little bit. And after 18 months, I’ve got a couple of new friends, people who I would actually call friends rather than just gardening acquaintances from the project. And that’s what it’s about. It’s community
We started the group and people regard it as a real success… they are not afraid to talk about their vulnerabilities together…a few people have said things like ‘this has changed my life’. What it’s done is brought people out of their homes…most of them have got health issues…but actually, when they come out for the day, they forget about all that. And people are nice to each other. So, I think most people go home feeling as though they’ve had time away, they’ve had company and they’ve had someone to talk to. And sometimes they’ve had a bit of a laugh as well.
The CHSS team are collaborating with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) Primary and Community Health Services team Services team on the evaluation of Growing Health Together.