PAUSE FOR THOUGHT
Evaluation
Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council and Youth Endowment Fund
Pause for Thought (P4T) is a group-based intervention aimed at reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal behaviours among 10-14-year young people in East Lancashire. As a member of the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) panel of evaluators, the Lab is leading a two-year evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability and short-term impact of P4T.
The need
P4T has emerged in response to the widespread need for interventions to address young people’s risk of committing or being victims of serious acts of violence. It aims to address this need by supporting young people’s social and emotional learning (SEL) development early, to prevent more serious problems later on. Dartington’s evaluation work seeks to contribute to the general gap in understanding of how SEL interventions like P4T can be designed and delivered within context, and how they contribute to positive outcomes.
Our response
Dartington will support P4T in three ways over the course of two years: In the initial pre-launch phase, Dartington will help develop P4T’s programme theory, evaluation and learning plans as well as supporting in the implementation plans and activities. In the feasibility phase, Dartington will monitor whether and how P4T is implemented and adapted within the context of the young people supported and the staff and local settings used to deliver. In the final pilot stage, Dartington will assess the immediate and short-term impacts on participating young people’s externalising emotions and behaviours.
Our lead partner is the Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Department. Dartington’s evaluation of P4T are support by the Youth Endowment Fund, a £200 million investment set up by the Home Office to tackle youth crime and violence through early intervention.
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