Introduction
The Chance UK mentoring programme is for children in London aged 5-11 years who are reported to be displaying challenging behaviour and emotional problems at school and at home. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the programme found no effect on the main outcomes of interest, identifying factors connected with implementation fidelity, target group and intervention content as potentially responsible. An internal review by Chance UK also identified aspects of the intervention that could be improved.
Aims
The research has the following aims:
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To work with Chance UK to co-design evidence-informed adaptations to the mentoring programme in order to address indentified concerns
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To use rapid cycle testing methodology to evaluate the adaptations in terms of their acceptability, implementation and outcomes and make further adaptations as required
Project activity
We are undertaking a review of the evidence on the effectiveness of youth mentoring and factors associated with success. Following this, we will use pa combination of standard search methods and consult with selected subject experts
An analysis of data from the RCT and Chance UK database will be completed to better understand the children served by the programme and aspects of the delivery of the mentoring
Workshops with Chance UK staff and trustees will be organised to design adaptations to the mentoring programme in the light of the evidence review and data analysis
We will gather sufficient data (quantitative and qualitative) on the adaptations, focusing on their acceptability, implementation and outcomes, and making (and testing) further adaptations as required
Anticipated outputs
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Contribute the the re-design of the Chance UK mentoring programme
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Further consolidate ongoing work to develop a method for the adaptation and rapid cycle testing of children’s services interventions
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Inform the wider literature on mentoring in terms of how such programmes can be improved