Music for a Generation in Hertfordshire

Performance indicators

The project used both quantitative and qualitative methods for measuring the impact. In particular, a survey of the participants of the music groups was undertaken, based on the Flourishing Scale which asks about general health and wellbeing using a 10-point scale. It provided a soft ‘distance travelled’ result, based on individual responses captured before and after the project. Each individual was given a unique number so that ‘before’ and ‘after’ responses could be analysed. A positive increase was seen across 9 out of the 10 areas of the Flourishing Scale offering tangible evidence of improvement to health and wellbeing. Those who fully engaged and participated in the project saw the greatest improvements in health and wellbeing.

Below offers the headline finding based on the Flourishing Scale for the four day centres.

Figure 1: Feeling positive about oneself

Qualitative data was collected during and at the end of the project. This data was captured through informal discussions, filming of events and discussions and feedback from everyone connected to the project including service users, service managers, volunteers and workshop leaders. Briefing sessions were held at several points during the project as another way to capture comments about progress from staff involved.  Semi-structured interviews were held at the end of the project.

To provide some telling samples of quotes.

"[This project has] taught me how to enjoy myself more.”

Positive impacts were suggested for example “I know the M4G project had a very special impact on the Cadets and Members lives and friendships have been formed. I recall a conversation I had with one member of Daylight Club, I asked him what he had been up to since I last see him the week before, he said: ‘Wayne, nothing much really, this is the highlight of my week, coming to Daylight and singing along with you and your Space Cadets’.” (‘Space Cadets’ is a fun reference to the Care Cadets).