Service evaluator workbook
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Background
People with experience of mental health issues, particularly those who are leaders, trainers, advocates, advisors, consultants, and peer support workers are often called upon to be participate in, or lead, an evaluation of mental health and addiction services. Most evaluation or audit teams will have at least one service user representative and a number of service users who have become lead auditors and evaluators. Today, service users are key participants in many evaluation projects. However, the type and use of evaluation tools varies across the sector and a clear need was identified for a generic introductory resource to support people starting out in the evaluation process.
About the workbook
On 20 April Te Pou released the Mental Health and Addiction Service Evaluator Workbook. This new resource was developed by the Te Pou research team as part of the development of standardised recovery evaluation tools across mental health and addiction services. An advisory group of experienced service user evaluators and peer reviewers assisted in the development of the workbook which reflects the collective knowledge of a number of people who have been in similar positions.
The workbook is structured as a complementary learning tool aimed at those new to auditing and evaluation. The evaluation skill sets contained in this workbook are arranged so they can be read sequentially, or used as a ‘pick and mix’ to add to existing skills and knowledge. The workbook is presented in four interlinked sections which introduce and present specific learning areas along with additional resources for further learning. Each section ends with an exercise to test learning. The workbook is designed to be self-reflective so that individuals can work through the tasks in their own time, or in a group.
Service evaluation is an essential part of ensuring service accountability and an important opportunity to contribute to mental health service development and change. Involvement in service evaluation creates a partnership of learning, which gives service users an opportunity to use their own personal experiences and skills to improve mental health services. Taking part can assist both personal recovery and the recovery of others. The workbook is designed to assist service user evaluators become more prepared and confident about doing this type of work.
Attendees at the launch of the Mental Health and Addiction Service Evaluator Workbook.
Download the workbook
The workbook is available for download in PDF format below.
Mental Health and Addiction Service Evaluator Workbook PDF (1.9mb)
Further information
For further information please contact Sandy Hall, researcher.
Page last updated: 13 May 2010