Somerset Community Pounds Project Evaluation

Baker, Colin ORCID: 0000-0001-8971-2829, Crone, Diane ORCID: 0000-0002-8798-2929 and Kilgour, Lindsey (2012) Somerset Community Pounds Project Evaluation. Project Report. University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester.

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Abstract

Introduction The Somerset Community Pounds project was an innovative pilot project aimed at helping community groups lose weight and raise money for their local community cause. As part of the Somerset County Healthy Weight Healthy Lives Obesity Strategy and reducing inequalities in CHD and diabetes work programme, the weight loss intervention was run over a six month period from September 2011 to February 2012. Methods The evaluation adopted a qualitative approach that complemented a quantitative component conducted by NHS Somerset. Data was collected from participants (n = 22) and stakeholders (n = 5) engaged on the scheme. Findings The intervention had led to a number of changes including weight loss, improved mobility and increased quality of social interaction. The monetary incentive provided a core attraction for participants and helped the activities stand out from other community activities. Low cost activities and the potential to raise community funds provided strong impetus for participation in the project. Embedding the project in community settings fostered a sense of collective responsibility both to the community sites involved and between the participants. Conclusion Financial incentives within community weight loss interventions should be aligned with socially-oriented, accessible and well supported activities.

Item Type:	Monograph (Project Report)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Colin Baker
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2015 12:08
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:10
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/2388

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