Music and Change
We are evaluating the impact and sustainability of a charity that uses an innovative ‘street therapy’ approach with some of the UK's most deprived young people.
The Music and Change (MAC-UK) project makes mental health accessible to deprived young people. MAC-UK engage with those who might not otherwise seek help and who may be involved in gangs and/or other highly antisocial behaviour. They work alongside them to promote positive mental health through innovative, youth-led projects.
The two-year pilot study ended in September 2010. The evaluation from this phase demonstrated the overall positive psychological impact of the intervention.
The project now moves into the service delivery phase. Youth-led activities at MAC-UK have expanded beyond just music; and include cooking, football, gym, drama, and a youth mentoring website.
The Mental Health Foundation is carrying out an independent evaluation of this second phase. The evaluation will identify the processes and mechanisms of psychological change for clients who attend the intervention over a period of time. The project is currently in the data collection phase.
Lauren has extensive experience conducting research projects and evaluations across the fields of mental health and learning disabilities in both the UK and in Canada. She holds a MSc in Mental Health Studies and a BSc in Psychology.