Final Evaluation Report 2015

Inspiring Women: Empowering Communities
Project Evaluation Report 2011-2015
This report is prepared by
Jonny Wineberg
Consultant for Not-for-profit Organisations,
Community Futures Trust CIC
and
Ayesha Arif
Director, Bury Asian Women’s Centre

1
Inspiring Women: Empowering Communities
Project Evaluation Report 2011-2015
Contents
Page
Introduction 2
Methodology 3
Findings
Overall Satisfaction and Involvement in Planning 4
Mental Health and Confidence 5
Living Healthier Lifestyle 8
Having More Diverse Opportunities 8
Ability to Make Positive Life Choices 9
Stronger Community links 11
Improving the Environment 12
Skills 14
Case Studies 17
Recommendations 20

2
BAWC EVALUATION REPORT 2015
Introduction
This evaluation looks at the achievements of BAWC over the last four years as a key
provider of services to women in Bury. During this period the Centre was funded by
the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme for its Inspiring Women:
Empowering Communities project.
The project’s aim was for women to have improved health, living environment, real
choice for their future and a great quality of life.
Project activities included:
• An independent advice service providing information, guidance and support to
women on any issue affecting them. This particularly targeted, but not exclusively,
women from minority ethnic backgrounds. Issues addressed included housing,
welfare rights, legal matters, school selection, health care, domestic abuse,
asylum seeker status and relationships.
• Two, 26 week Level 1 English language courses annually enabling women to
access new opportunities.
• One-to-one support sessions for women experiencing mental health and
parenting issues to raise self-esteem and cope with problems they encounter.
Main issues addressed included benefits, debt, housing, dealing with utilities,
shopping disputes, school places, accessing further education, mental health and
dementia.
• Group support for women experiencing specific issues. Groups were set up for
Mental Health, Parenting, Women's Health, Dementia, Cancer and Wellbeing
• Weekly cookery and exercise groups that helped raise self-esteem and improve
healthy living.
• Two 6 week well-being courses annually to help women be confident in their
health and beauty regimens.
• Community clean-up programmes encouraging families to work together to
improve the local environment. These were run in conjunction with local schools
and community groups across Bury.
• An annual volunteer training course and other training sessions for volunteers,
which gave them one-to-one and group work skills, ideas for good practice and
the confidence and ability to get involved in Local Area Partnerships. 83
volunteers were engaged with BAWC over the last 4 years.
• A sharing conference in the final year to inform partner agencies and the wider
community of the success of our work, good practice identified and celebrate
women’s achievements.
• Design of a large, diamond shaped leaflet, which was distributed across the area,
promoting our activities.

3
Methodology
The main evaluation tools were questionnaires conducted each year with participants
in the activities. In the final year, this was carried out more extensively than previous
years, designed to capture more people’s input. Additionally, one-to-one interviews
and consultation events were held each year to give an opportunity for users to
provide additional qualitative information to add to the understanding of beneficiaries’
views of activities and outcomes for them.
We were clear that the questionnaires could be completed either by each woman
themselves or by interview, the latter being appropriate where there were literacy
issues.
The measures in the main annual evaluation gave quantitative measures of change
in:
• self-confidence
• mental health
• ability to make positive choices
about their life
• having more diverse
opportunities
• caring more about improving
their environment
• having stronger community links
• skills in English, cooking and for
healthy living
• living healthier lifestyles
Quantitative questions asked for a rating on a 0 – 10 scale, with two point intervals
shown (i.e. 0,2,4,6,8,10). Satisfaction in these areas was measured by a score of 6 or
above. This method also gave us the opportunity to identify an average and to see the
spread of scores. We included comparative questions to identify views before and
after involvement to give a measure of change.
Qualitative questions asked about the best parts of activities, what would increase
their involvement with the provision and ideas for other activities. Other comments
were also invited.
It is important to note that, year on year, many new women were accessing the
project, particularly through courses, the advice service, cookery and exercise
sessions. Many then went on to access one-to-one or group support and get involved
as volunteers. This is a key issue in analysing the findings, with over half the women
accessing the project for less than a year. Whilst they clearly benefit, be it through
gaining English skills, solving a specific, practical problem or feeling more
empowered, this also means that they do not attend over a longer period to benefit
further. This is addressed further in the recommendations.
Analysis of all the evaluations is presented below along with recommendations for
BAWC going forward.
BAWC’s Sharing Conference June 2015. Left - Staff and volunteers with the Lord Mayor & Consort. Right - partners and users.

4
FINDINGS
Over the last four years, over 2,000 women accessed the different activities and
services within the Inspiring Women: Empowering Communities project. Nearly all
these women received advice on issues that affect them and most accessed more
than one activity.
In addition, over 100 men received advice and another 80 were involved in family
clean-ups, along with over 100 children.
The evaluation reflects the outcomes achieved for the Inspiring Women: Empowering
Communities project.
OVERALL SATISFACTION
The general question regarding satisfaction with the activities/services provided by
the project was asked in all evaluations except those for clean-ups. The 93%
satisfaction level is very good but it is the almost 84% giving a satisfaction rating of 8
or 10 that really stands out. Whilst there is still room for improvement, this result
endorses the general ethos and approach of the project and should give confidence
for continued delivery of similar services and activities.
Percentage Positive 93.0%
Average Rating 8.49
INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING AND DELIVERY
Over 93% of women reported opportunities to help plan and deliver activities or
services, which was a fundamental part of the projects design. Indeed, 75 women
went on to take up specific volunteer roles within the project, receiving training and
support. However, this question was not asked of those involved in receiving advice
or one-to-one support
Another 8 men also became volunteers.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 2.00
4.99
9.24
33.83
49.94
percentage
rating
Satisfaction with Activities/Services Provided

5
Percentage Reporting Opportunity 93.1%
Average Rating 8.52
Whilst there is a healthy response here, there is more to be made of this through
offering more users the chance to become more involved with owning individual
projects and further developing them to a more advanced level. This could be
undertaken with ESOL, Exercise, Cookery and other areas and could help sustain
involvement as well as produce users with increased capabilities to take on volunteer
roles.
MENTAL HEALTH AND CONFIDENCE
One-to-one and group support were key to improving the mental health of project
beneficiaries. However, all activities contributed to this in some part and especially to
increasing the confidence of women, many of whom were at a very low ebb. There
were two measures of improvement in mental health used. One question asked if
involvement of the project had improved self-esteem and another if it had improved
well-being. The latter had an impressive 96% giving a positive rating whilst nearly
92% reported improved self-esteem. The average ratings being below 8 shows room
to improve on delivery, particularly in offering more opportunity for more women to
lead their own activities.
Average Rating 7.46
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00
6.88
13.02
27.52
52.58
percentage
rating
Opportunity to be Involved with Planning and
Delivering Activities/Services
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 1.04
7.25
29.88
41.45
20.38
percentage
rating
Involvement with Project Improved Self-Esteem

6
Average Rating 7.86
The change in confidence is one of the most impressive outcomes from the project.
A remarkable 99% of those reporting a lack of confidence before accessing the
project (score of 6 or below) reported being confident after accessing the project
(score of 8 or 10). Behind this result are a myriad of factors including the amazing
feedback from the mental health group where only one person rated their confidence
as high as 6 before the project whereas after, only one person rated their confidence
as low as 8!
Significant improvements in confidence were reported across the project activities.
For the Exercise Groups, average confidence rose from 3.01 to 9.78; for the Cooking
Groups, from 7.24 to 9.67 and for the ESOL Groups, from 7.17 to 9.51. BAWC
should use these results to promote their work to potential users and funders.
Before Now
Percentage Confident 48.7% 99.4%
Average Rating 5.83 9.72
The two most significant pieces of work that built confidence were the mental health
group work and exercise. Comments from the mental health work were particularly
strong:
• There is a big need to do mental health group. We want BAWC to provide
these groups.
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00
4.00
26.35
42.12
27.53
percentage
rating
Involvement with Project Improved Well-being
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
11.09 8.16 10.46
21.55
45.82
2.930.00 0.00 0.00 0.63
12.76
86.61
percentage
rating
Confidence Before and After Accessing Project
before
now

7
• I am happy to say to carry on these activities.
• Mental health services are good we want to carry on these sessions, was a
useful session.
• Learned to treat self with care and acknowledge self-belief and faith.
• I can take positives out of sitauations.
The mental health group work should be expanded and be a priority piece of work
moving forward. The latter is incredibly exciting as it shows that improvements in
physical health also impact on people’s emotional health. As well as sharing this
finding widely, it should also act as a spur for researchers to look more at this
correlation and BAWC should consider designing a wider well-being programme to
combine the exercise and group sessions for maximum benefit for users.
LIVING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES
The Cooking and Exercise programmes were evaluated as to the impact they had on
people living healthier lifestyles. There was an overwhelmingly positive response,
with all but a handful of users reporting living healthier. There is no doubt that these
programmes were very successful but the opportunity for users to take this further
should be explored, with advanced cooking and exercise groups a possibility.
Additionally, BAWC should explore the possibility of developing a group of ‘Health
Champions’ who can take promote the healthy living messages from the project to
their peers and encourage more to get involved.
Exercise Sessions took place in three different venues across Bury with dozens of women learning how to stay healthy

8
Average Rating 8.00
HAVING MORE DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES
The perception of different opportunities from involvement in the project was clearly
reported by the vast majority of users. This is certainly an outcome to be used in
promoting future work. It would also be useful to explore additional avenues for
opportunity with partner agencies to ensure a wider offer of activities are available to
users. A simple directory of opportunities could be produced that would be of mutual
benefit to all partners. More advanced would be a searchable on-line directory of
opportunities, organised by type, location and when running, which is something to
explore in the longer term with Bury Third Sector Development Agency.
Average Rating 8.05
No specific comments were invited regarding diversity of opportunities but many
users wanted to continue activities and look at other opportunities available:
• I want to continue my involvement and spend time with other ladies.
• I want to continue being taught in a safe environment.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00 0.82
31.56
40.16
27.46
percentage
rating
Project Involvement Led to Living Healthier Lifestyle
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00 1.27
17.72
58.23
22.78
percentage
rating
Involvement Helped have more Diverse
Opportunities in Life

9
• I don’t want to retreat back into the ‘comfortableness’ of not leaving home.
• I want to be given more advanced opportunities.
• I am happy. I want to go to more classes.
ABILITY TO MAKE POSITIVE LIFE CHOICES
Almost 96% of women reported improved ability to make positive life choices through
their involvement with the project. This was over 99% for those using advice services
but was, unsurprisingly, lower for those participating in exercise groups. Again, this is
something to use in promoting the service. The case studies from users reinforce
this outcome and spell out the positive impact on people’s lives.
Average Rating 8.51
The change made to women’s lives is highlighted by the additional evaluation
measure introduced for 2014-15 that asked about their ability to make positive life
choices before and after accessing the project. An exceptional 94.6% of the 95.5%
who reported that they lacked ability to make positive life choices before getting
support, reported positive ability after. Indeed, even those that did not report in the
positive domain after, all reported increased ability.
Even with this result, there is clearly room for improvement as most women are
giving ratings of 8 rather than 10. This may be due to the top rating being described
as ‘totally’ able.
The range of issues being dealt with were outlined at the Sharing Event in June
2015:
• Welfare Benefit advice - Benefit check and entitlement; Form filling; Reporting
change of circumstances
• Debt - Dealing with external agencies; Filling in forms i.e. Financial
statements; Signposting & Referrals; Dealing with Debt – Step change,
Money Advice Service, CAB
• Housing - Apply for Housing; Rent arrears; Dealing with landlords
• Consumer - Dealing with utility companies; Sales of Goods issues
• Education - School applications and appeals; Accessing FE Courses; Funding
• Any Other Issue Raised
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
1 2 3 4 5 6
0.00 0.25
3.87
11.61
38.70
45.57
percentage
rating
Involvement with Project Improved Ability to make
Positive Life Choices

10
It is very important that the methodology behind the advice service is fully written up
and shared as widely as possible as evidence of good practice. The particular
factors that should be emphasised are:
• The importance of using volunteers to undertake triage, enabling a larger
volume of cases
• Strong, two-way referral links with partner agencies
• Bi-lingual support with Urdu and Punjabi speakers
• Flexibility in solution finding
• Helping complete forms
• Advocating on client’s behalf with a range of agencies including utility
companies, housing providers, schools and creditors
• Specific help with debt and partnering with other specialist providers.
Before Now
Percentage Positive 4.5% 94.8%
Further reinforcement of the difference made to people’s lives comes from the
qualitative comments about the advice service. Most talk about being “helped” in
various ways, with increasing awareness and resolution of problems a common
theme. The comments below are representative of the many that came in:
• Helped me to find out entitlement and signposted me to agencies that could
support and help me.
• Helped reduce my overpayment deductions from benefit.
• Helped me to find out entitlement and apply for. Very nice and helpful.
• Made aware of banking facilities and services available to me.
• I became more aware of the benefits and my rights.
• The information I was given empowered me to take the next step to apply for
benefit.
• Filled in form. Helped me to get housing.
• Helped me sort out my gas/electric situation, very helpful.
• Have been awarded PIP and ESA with the help of adviser.
• Helped me to understand options.
• Received help for my credit payments.
• Helped reduced payments for energy debt.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
4.48
59.70
31.34
3.73 0.75 0.000.00 0.00
5.19
23.70
63.70
7.41
percentage
rating
Ability to make Positive Life Choices Before and
After Accessing Project
before
now

11
STRONGER COMMUNITY LINKS
The Community Clean-ups had three questions on strengthening community
relationships and three on improving the environment. The former asked whether
participants felt that they now have stronger links with their community and whether
involvement with their family had helped them work together better. Both responses
showed over 90% reporting in the positive domain, with the vast majority, over 80%,
scoring 8 or 10. This is extremely encouraging and indicates the imperative for
organising community activities outside the normal venue for programmes.
However, the change measure showed even more strongly this outcome, with over
99% of participants reporting a strong link with the community after clean ups and
the average rating rising to an impressive 9.48.
BAWC should explore what other activities could be undertaken to further improve
both community and family cohesion. Other beautification projects could be part of
this and opportunities such as Volunteers Week at the beginning of June could be
utilised for such activities.
Clean up with children and families from Holy Trinity School, one of 5 clean ups in the final year of the project
Average Rating 8.48
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 2.13 4.27
13.11
28.35
52.13
percentage
rating
Involvement Strengthened Links with Community

12
Average Rating 8.33
Before Now
Comments from children involved reinforced the positive experience. Many talked
about working together (and several enjoyed the fruit and cakes!):
• The best part was when we went all together and worked as a team.
• The clean-up makes me feel special, helping the local area.
• The best part was everyone getting along.
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT
With over 96% of those involved reporting that the project had helped improve the
environment, and over 85% giving ratings of 8 or 10, the clean ups can certainly be
viewed as a success. However, it is the improvement in attitude towards improving
the environment that shows the potential long-term effect. Almost 95% of participants
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.61
3.66
13.41
43.29
39.02
percentage
rating
Involvement Helped Work Together
Better with Family
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.61
3.36
12.23
25.69
58.10
0.00 0.30 0.61
3.96
15.24
79.88
percentage
rating
Strength of Links with Community Before and After
Involvement with Clean Ups
before
now

13
reported that their involvement had led to them caring more about the environment
with 99% indicating a positive view after their involvement.
The potential for other environmental initiatives should be explored and further
consultation should be undertaken with local people as to what projects they may
like to see undertaken in the future.
Average Rating 8.23
Average Rating 8.62
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.30 3.05
11.28
55.49
29.88
percentage
rating
Project Helped Improve Local Environment
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.61
4.57
11.59
29.57
53.66
percentage
rating
Involvement led to Caring More
About Improving Environment

14
Before Now
SKILLS
For those involved in the English, Well-being, Cooking, and Exercise courses, there
were specific question on how these had helped improve their skills.
98% of those involved in English courses reported good skill improvement and this is
backed up by many generous comments about the courses. It is clear that there is
huge value placed on such courses by those involved and a clear belief that this will
enable them to improve their lives.
BAWC should continue to look to identify funding to put on such courses but should
also consider other approaches to improve English skills, with volunteer led English
speaking groups or book reading clubs.
Average Rating 8.19
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.91
4.27
12.50
53.96
28.35
0.00 0.30 0.61
5.18
29.57
64.33
percentage
rating
Care About Improving Environment Before and After
Involvement with Clean Ups
before
now
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00 1.85
18.52
48.15
31.48
percentage
rating
Relevant Courses Helped Improve English Skills

15
Whilst 93% of respondents reported that courses had helped to improve their
cooking, fitness or healthy living skills, the lower positive ratings are of concern.
There is some variation for the different courses, but all have a similar average.
BAWC should look closely at providers for courses and ensure that they are more
clearly outcome focused with improving ability, rather than just knowledge, to the
fore.
Average Rating 7.64
The diverse courses were hugely popular throughout the project with women feeling comfortable in the single gender settings
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00
6.85
25.00
47.26
20.89
percentage
rating
Relevant Courses Helped Improve Cooking, Fitness
or Healthy Living Skills

16
Comments on the ESOL classes were particularly positive:
• I want to continue the opportunity to have my English corrected in a positive
environment.
• More confidence to speak with English people.
• My confidence has increased along with my English.
• I am more able to speak in groups with more self-confidence.
• I can participate in the group and share ideas.
• I am going to Bury College to finish Teacher Assistant course.
• I feel more confident because my English is improved. The course is hilarious!
• I start classes no good but finish good. I read with my little boy and speak
English with my children.
Training that clearly did work well was that for volunteers. Whilst 100% of volunteers
were confident in their abilities before the training, the rise in average rating from
7.35 to 9.31 is exceptional, with 100% giving ratings of 8 or 10 after training. This is
clearly an area that should be pursues as BAWC develops. Both volunteering
opportunities internal to BAWC and with external agencies should be encouraged.
The possibility of a volunteering co-ordinator to support and develop volunteers and
help match them with opportunities should be explored.
Before Now
Percentage Confident 100% 100%
Most volunteers talked about both the skills and confidence they had gained and
wanted to take their success further:
• I want to become independent and build on current skills.
• I learn a variety of new skills and was able to network and deal with external
agencies regarding International Women’s Day.
• I was able to recruit new volunteers and confidently talk to potential volunteers
about services and the centre.
• I want to continue working in a group situation in and out of class by volunteering.
• I will put myself forward for more volunteering duties.
• I will continue helping the community to give something back.
• I will help with events and interpret for clients.
• I will help further in the office environment and want the chance to continue
being supported by BAWC by volunteering.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
0 2 4 6 8 10
0.00 0.00 0.00
34.55
63.64
1.820.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
34.55
65.45
percentage
rating
Confidence Before and After Volunteer Training & Support
before
now

18
awaiting surgery for his shoulder and is in considerable pain and is on strong
medication which leaves him lethargic, depressed and he suffers from dizziness and
mood swings.
Akram received a reply in Oct 2014 informing that the decision had not been
reconsidered and he would be put in the Work- Related Activity Group. He wanted to
appeal this decision. The advisor filled in the SSCS1 form which is used to appeal
against a decision of the Department for Works and Pension. This included a letter
from his doctor confirming Akram’s health had deteriorated.
Akram received a letter on the 08/01/2015 from HM Courts & Tribunal Service asking
him whether he would like to settle the appeal as the decision maker (DWP) had said
they had settled the case with him. The advisor contacted DWP asking whether a
decision had been reached and why he wasn’t informed. DWP had reconsidered
their decision in favour of Akram and he has been put in to the Support Group for
ESA from the 21/11/2014 for 18 months. This ends in 16/04/2016 when he will be
asked for another medical to reassess his health.
ESA before appeal £142.45
ESA after appeal – £171.80 per week
Income generated for 18 months £12,369.60
Akram also received help completing a PIP form and has been awarded Personal
Independence Payment for the Daily Living Component for £53.00 a week from the
06/12/2014 – Apr 2017
Income generated - £5,300.00
Advice Case Study 4
Clients are Portuguese nationals (of Pakistani origin) who have moved to the UK to
settle with their children.
The husband is working and they live in rented accommodation. They had already
applied for child benefit and need help with paperwork they have received from
HMRC regarding their claim. They had paperwork for additional information that is
required from them. They were helped to fill in the forms and informed of the
evidence that was required to be sent with the forms.
Both were in receipt of both Child Tax credit and Child Benefit. They were helped to
make an application for tax credits.
Clients were very thankful of the help that was provided to them by the Advice
Service as English was not their first language and found visiting the Bury Asian
Women’s Centre easier and were able to get information and guidance in their own
language. Also, having just recently moved to the UK, they were not aware of
procedures and services available.
The wife was referred to the BAWC Health worker for classes and courses and she
attended several Health & Wellbeing classes.
Advice Case Study 5
Shahid moved to the UK from Spain to settle with his children. His wife and youngest
child still reside in Pakistan and he is living in the UK with his elder 3 children ages
18, 16 and 14 years of age.
Shahid needed information, advice and guidance on how to register his children for
school, set up bank accounts etc.

19
We helped Shahid and his children with:
• Setting up a bank account online
• Making applications for child benefit, tax credits, job seekers allowance,
housing benefit and council tax support
• Attending habitual residence test appointment at the jobcentre
• Dealing with correspondence relating to applications and other issues
• Dealing with schools appeals
• College applications
The family were very happy with the help received and Shahid still comes for
information, advice and support.
Healthy Cooking Case Study
Anita was very conscious of the importance of staying at a healthy weight. Through
attending the Healthy Cooking classes she was able to make find healthy
alternatives for her lifestyle. Making small changes to her diet was the healthiest
and most achievable way to lose weight. Anita made changes in her cooking oil,
from sunflower oil to extra virgin olive oil, as well as using low sodium salt.
Anita now understands how to interpret food labelling, the part that it plays in a
healthy diet and how this affects her. She is conscious of calories, fats and
carbohydrates. She has begun to use more organic produce and a range of
supplements.
Through attending healthy eating and exercise sessions, Anita has improved her
own diet as well as the diet of her family. One resulting has been Anita’s healthy
weight loss, dropping two dress sizes.
Mental Health Case Study
Tahara had severe mental health problems due to which she had her children taken
into care and was having marital problems.
Tahara had no form of support other than that she had sought from her doctor. On
coming to BAWC she participated in the Mental Focus Group which proved to be
gateway to accessing services with other organisations
Tahara’s first referral was to the IAPTS team with whom we worked closely to
support her. She was also referred to the Mosses Centre to participate in many
group sessions which have allowed her to build on her confidence.
She became an occasional volunteer at BAWC and was able to facilitate some
Healthy Eating Cooking Classes.
Due to the support she received at BAWC, Tahara referred her daughter to volunteer
with BAWC who again went onto secure employment elsewhere.
Tahara has gone from being secluded and introverted to actively being part of the
community, volunteering at BAWC as well as at Oxfam. She is regularly attending
her support sessions with all agencies involved with her and has contact with
children who are still in care.
ESOL Case Study
Hira began as a student attending ESOL classes. Through these she was able to
develop her skills both personally and professionally.

20
Over a year she successfully completed her ESOL classes and participated in the six
week Health & Wellbeing course. She also recruited many new students for the
ESOL classes and was able to talk of her experiences whilst being a student to
engage her peers. When she completed her ESOL course, she begun to volunteer in
the classes alongside the Tutor. This enhanced her English speaking skills further as
well as her confidence in supporting students. More importantly the students were
able to relate to her better as she wasn’t someone on the outside looking in.
Through her volunteering at BAWC, Hira was able to avail new opportunities for
herself. She started an accredited Teaching Assistant course. She says that this has
enhanced her life chances and her ability to look for work.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. More users should be given the chance to oversee ESOL, Exercise, Cookery
and other individual projects to reinforce their ownership of the project, develop
their skills and sustain their involvement.
2. More opportunity should be given for women to develop and lead their own
mental and physical health activities within projects. This range from whole
programmes to one off sessions.
3. The mental health group work should be expanded and be a priority piece of
work moving forward.
4. BAWC should consider designing a wider well-being programme to combine the
exercise and group sessions for maximum benefit of users.
5. BAWC should explore the possibility of developing a group of ‘Health
Champions’ who can promote the healthy living messages from the project to
their peers and encourage more to get involved.
6. BAWC should explore the possibility of running advanced cooking and exercise
groups, particularly using volunteers who have been through courses to lead
them.
7. The finding that improvements in physical health also impact on people’s
emotional health should be shared widely and researchers should be urged to
look more at this correlation.
8. The methodology behind the Advice Service should be fully written up and
shared as widely as possible as evidence of good practice.
9. BAWC should explore what other activities, environmental and otherwise, could
be undertaken to further improve both community and family cohesion. Other
beautification projects could be part of this and opportunities such as Volunteers
Week at the beginning of June could be utilised for such activities.
10.The potential for other environmental initiatives should be explored and further
consultation should be undertaken with local people as to what projects they
may like to see undertaken in the future.
11.BAWC should see it as imperative to organise more of its own community
activities outside the centre venue for programmes.
12.BAWC should explore additional avenues to work with partner agencies to widen
opportunities available to users. A simple directory of opportunities could be

21
produced that would be of great value to potential users and of mutual benefit to
all partners.
13.The possibility of producing a searchable on-line directory of opportunities,
organised by type, location and when running, should be explored with
Bury Third Sector Development Agency.
14.BAWC should continue to look to identify funding to put on ESOL courses but
should also consider other approaches to improve English skills, with volunteer
led English speaking groups or book reading clubs.
15.Ongoing English speaking peer groups should be established.
16.BAWC should ensure they vet providers for different courses, choosing those
with strong feedback from previous users and with a clear focus on outcomes
related to improving ability, rather than just knowledge.
17.Volunteering opportunities internal to BAWC and with external agencies should
be encouraged. The possibility of a volunteering co-ordinator to support and
develop volunteers and help match them with opportunities should be explored.
18.BAWC should use the positive evaluation results in future promotion of their
work to potential users and funders.

Final Evaluation Report 2015

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Final Evaluation Report 2015