Aberdeen Foyer – Transforming the IMPACT Case Study

A case study focusing on Aberdeen Foyer's IMPACT project funded through the Transforming Self Management in Scotland Fund.
The Foyer is a successful social enterprise working to support individuals in communities in the northeast of Scotland.
The IMPACT project reaches out and encourages individuals to find their strengths, build confidence and find time to flourish with a programme of support for adults living with long term mental health conditions.
Aberdeen Foyer first submitted a project idea to the Self Management IMPACT Fund in 2012, but following an initial meeting with the Grants Team, they realised they needed to go back to the drawing board. The feedback was eye-opening for the Foyer team and made them question everything about their application, and their approach to involving people in the design of a new, exciting, meaningful self management service. “The question the ALLIANCE team asked us – ‘how do you know that’s what people want?’ – now defines what we are all about.” Brenda McGinlay.
Brenda, who led on the project development, knew to get it right she needed to speak to as many people living with long term mental health conditions as possible. People responded well, feeling respected to be asked and truly involved by having their say. The insights gained from this engagement helped the Foyer secure funding and set up some initial groups which attracted people who traditionally had difficulty, or reluctance, in accessing existing services. “We believe that the ALLIANCE are genuinely interested in our learning, which has meant we’ve had the ability to be experimental to try things out.”
The Foyer, although always forward thinking, has embraced this way of working as a result of the successful project being so ‘visible’, not just physically with sessions being held in their on-site café instead of the usual training room, but also with the strong voice of experience at the fore. “It’s been a challenge to encourage folk to find other things in the community – we’ve been clear that this isn’t their ‘forever place’, so we have a clear pathway to support people to turnaround.”
The project has embraced the focus that the IMPACT Fund has given the Foyer on making a difference for the people they are supporting. Being able to report back in interesting and fresh ways, without solely concentrating on traditional outcomes and numbers, has meant that the real impact of the project has been clearer for them, and the people involved. “I tell everyone to apply to the ALLIANCE – we’re now using our creative evaluation approaches with other funders too.” It’s not all been plain sailing, but the Foyer have used the experience within the group to influence changes and overcome challenges. People have looked for support to ‘come through the door’, to be involved and to influence improved interactions with professionals, which became the main aims of the project as it developed, and the target for the future.
End of page.
You may also like:
The aim of Autistic Knowledge Development is to bring more autistic people to the forefront of anything that is related to them.
Continue readingVersus Arthritis are working with communities and other organisations to provide a stronger service and support more people with arthritis.
Continue readingSober Buzz are building connections and empowering communities to challenge stigma and shame around alcohol misuse.
Continue readingFeeling Strong are providing much needed mental health services for young people in Dundee.
Continue readingOur film takes a look at the creative ways which CHAS engages with their children and young people.
Continue readingThe health and wellbeing of children and young people lies at the heart of the work of Children's Health Scotland.
Continue reading"Everybody needs transport and there can be many barriers to achieving that, so we often fill that gap."
Continue readingHelping children develop their emotional language, understand themselves and their social relationships, take ownership of their wellbeing.
Continue readingOur SHANARRI School aims to create a holistic approach to wellbeing in Highland's schools,
Continue reading"From an integration perspective, people now have a greater understanding of what it's like to be a New Scot."
Continue reading"Integration is crucial in enabling leaders to share decision-making, empower individuals, and champion the voice of lived experience."
Continue reading"We don’t often get the chance to fully appreciate the potential that exists within football to help improve lives."
Continue reading"It’s very much about being playful and experimental, but it’s also allowing people to express themselves and feel heard."
Continue readingOur Children and Young People Programme recently visited Kelso High School’s S1 Social Skills Group which supports neurodiversity.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE's Children and Young People Programme made a visit to Kelso High School recently.
Continue reading"By integrating services around what matters most, we can enable people to live life to the fullest from the comfort of home."
Continue reading"Closely connected communities are integral and essential to operations in order to meet student needs."
Continue reading"Our shared ambition to improve the lives of LGBT people in Scotland enables us to collaborate far more than to compete."
Continue reading"The role of integration in creating and then safeguarding authentic relationships within the community is of fundamental importance."
Continue reading"We felt as Scots with a Shia identity, we had to to highlight the diversity, inclusion and equality of all segments of Scottish society."
Continue reading"We hope it will encourage people to grow their own food, whilst caring for the environment too."
Continue reading"We offer safe spaces without judgement, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and listened to"
Continue reading"If you’re living in poverty, like most asylum seekers are, then a simple thing like a bicycle can have a massive impact on their lives."
Continue reading"These are prime examples of organisations successfully utilising innovation to overcome barriers."
Continue reading"More people are leaning on the NHS, so if we can do our bit, we can improve the benefits for our communities"
Continue reading