Research and evaluation
Big Life is committed to leading and participating in research that leads to meaningful and positive change to the people we work with and the communities we are led by.
When we participate in external research, it is vital that it adheres to recognised standards in research ethics and relevant data protection and security standards
Research requests
Research requests for all services across the group are handled centrally, in order to ensure these are managed efficiently and consistently. If you wish to discuss working with us on a research project, please fill in our online form.
Recent research
Clinician- vs non-clinician-supported eTherapy for anxiety and depression
This paper, co-authored by The Big Life group alongside academics from Manchester, Lancaster and Liverpool universities, examines differences in client outcomes between clinician- (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) and non-clinician-supported, low intensity eTherapy.
The authors found no evidence to support differences in the likelihood of recovery between clients in the non-clinician-supported site and clients referred to the clinician-supported site, and put forward the case for expanding non-clinician supported eTherapy services.
Achieve service evaluation
The Achieve Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service has provided holistic support to adults and young people experiencing substance misuse issues in Bolton, Salford and Trafford since 2018 and Bury since 2019.
The Achieve Partnership comprises organisations with expertise directly and indirectly related to substance misuse and recovery: clinical expertise, outreach, training, housing, and grant funding for community groups.
In 2021 Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust (GMMH) and The Big Life Group (on behalf of the Achieve Partnership) commissioned SQW to undertake an independent process evaluation of the Achieve Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service. The evaluation was delivered over five months, and involved a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups, a document review and monitoring data analysis.
Peer Support research
This paper describes the development, implementation, delivery and evolution of a community-led, comprehensive, peer support at Self Help – including co-production approaches, peer support worker role development, outcomes, acceptability and lessons learnt over a five-year timeframe.