In 2020, the Association of Mental Health Providers along with a range of private sector partners established the national Sustainability Programme. Its purpose was to address the major inequalities experienced by communities highlighted by the pandemic and distribute cash grants and non-cash resources to the grassroots mental health organisations there to support them.
We evaluated the programme over a 2-year period, working closely with relevant stakeholders to gather data on grant distribution, demographics, access to peer support, training and workshops for the providers. We also gathered data from providers about outputs and outcomes for their end beneficiaries. We were able to highlight and make recommendations about impact for organisations, impact for communities and wider systems change through this research.