1.1 Outline the stages of a health promotion project

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Outline the stages of a health promotion project.

A health promotion project involves organised efforts aimed at influencing positive health behaviours and outcomes within a target group or community. Successful health promotion projects are planned, implemented, and evaluated in clear stages to ensure they achieve their objectives. In this guide, we cover some of the common stages to give you an understanding of the process.

1. Identifying the Health Issue

The first step involves selecting the health issue or concern that needs to be addressed. This is often based on the needs of the community, organisation, or population. You may identify the issue by:

• Reviewing statistics – for example, local rates of smoking or obesity.
• Using feedback – such as surveys or complaints from the community or service users.
• Consulting stakeholders – like community leaders, health service providers, or other professionals.

This stage focuses on understanding the problem and why it needs tackling. For instance, if obesity is the concern, look at how it affects physical health, mental health, and associated costs on healthcare systems.

During this step, a clear goal should be established, such as “reducing smoking rates among young adults by 10% in two years.”

2. Assessing Needs and Resources

Once the issue has been identified, assess who is most affected and what resources are available. This involves gathering information to build a detailed picture of the situation.

Some key considerations include:

• Who is the target group? – For example, are you aiming to address smoking among teenagers, young adults, pregnant women, or the general population?
• What are their specific needs? – Look at factors that influence the health behaviour, like lack of access to support services or peer pressure. This helps tailor the project to their circumstances.
• What resources are available? – Consider budget, staffing, time, and any infrastructure, such as access to clinics, non-profit organisations, or online channels.

This process can involve tools like community surveys, interviews, focus groups, and collaboration with other organisations. At this stage, identify potential challenges, like funding shortages or cultural resistance, to help you plan accordingly.

3. Setting Objectives

Objectives define what the project aims to achieve. These need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). The objectives act as the roadmap for the project and guide decision-making throughout.

For example:

• Increase awareness about the risks of smoking by hosting information sessions in local schools.
• Provide free smoking cessation support to 100 individuals within six months.
• Reduce smoking rates in the target group by 10% over a year.

These objectives give clear benchmarks to measure success. They also help motivate the team or partners involved in delivering the project.

4. Designing the Project Plan

This stage involves creating the detailed plan of action. You’ll need to outline how you’ll reach your objectives and engage your target group. Key factors to address in this stage include:

• Methods of delivery – Will you use workshops, social media campaigns, posters, one-to-one sessions, or peer support groups?
• Message development – Develop clear, accurate, and engaging content. For example, messages warning about vaping risks could be simple but effective: “Vaping harms your lungs – keep them healthy.”
• Timelines – Allocate timeframes for each phase of the project, such as preparation, implementation, and follow-up.
• Roles and responsibilities – Assign tasks to team members or partner organisations to ensure the workload is manageable.
• Resources allocation – Plan how you will manage funding, facilities, and staff effectively.

This stage helps ensure the project is practical and realistic, with no overlapping tasks or wasted resources.

5. Engaging Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organisations that have an interest in your project. Engage them early to increase acceptance and support of your health promotion initiative.

Key stakeholders might include:

• The target audience – involving them in planning can improve relevance.
• Local authorities or healthcare organisations – their support might be needed for funding or technical advice.
• Schools, community groups, or employers – they may help spread your message or host project activities.

Effective communication is important during this stage. Clearly explain the purpose, benefits, and expected outcomes of your project to stakeholders.

6. Implementing the Project

This stage involves putting your plan into action. Delivery strategies should focus on engaging the target group effectively, ensuring they access the necessary information or services.

Some examples of implementation activities include:

• Running awareness campaigns via social media or putting up posters in community locations.
• Hosting workshops, webinars, or public health events.
• Providing health services, like free vaccinations, smoking cessation support, or mental health counselling.

Monitor progress continuously during implementation. For example, keep track of attendance at events, the uptake of services, or feedback on the information provided. Make adjustments if obstacles or unexpected challenges arise.

7. Promoting Engagement and Participation

During implementation, it’s important to keep your target audience engaged. People are less likely to take action if they feel the project doesn’t apply to them or if the messaging is unclear. You can encourage participation by:

• Using relatable real-life stories to demonstrate why the issue matters.
• Offering incentives for participation, such as free resources or entry into prize draws.
• Communicating regularly and in ways that suit your audience, such as emails, phone calls, text messages, or posters.

Consistent and engaging communication can increase involvement and awareness, helping you reach your objectives.

8. Monitoring and Evaluating Outcomes

At the end of the project (and ideally during its implementation), you need to evaluate how successful it has been. This ensures the project achieves meaningful outcomes and teaches you valuable lessons for the future.

Key activities at this stage include:

• Measuring outcomes – Compare results against the original objectives. For example, did smoking rates reduce in the target group?
• Collecting feedback – Ask participants, staff, and stakeholders what worked well and what could be improved.
• Analysing data collected – Review attendance numbers, engagement rates, or health statistics to assess whether the project met its goals.

Use monitoring tools such as surveys, case studies, or interviews to assess the project. Highlight strengths and weaknesses and document these findings for future reference.

9. Reporting Results

Once the project is complete, prepare a report on its outcomes. This may be required for stakeholders, funders, or leadership teams.

Include the following information in your report:

• The initial goals and whether they were achieved.
• The strategies that were most (or least) effective.
• Recommendations for future projects.
• Any financial summaries showing how resources were used.

Sharing these results fosters accountability and provides a valuable resource for others implementing similar projects.

10. Sustaining Changes

Encouraging long-term behaviour change is one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of health promotion. After the project ends, look at ways to sustain the progress made.

This may involve:

• Creating ongoing programmes, such as peer-support forums or regular educational activities.
• Securing funding for new phases of the project.
• Sharing resources, like websites or leaflets, for continuous engagement.

If people need long-term support, direct them to additional services or resources that can help them maintain positive changes.

Final Thought

Health promotion projects are structured processes that aim to create healthier behaviours and outcomes within a group or community. Following clear stages, from identifying the health issue through to evaluating and sustaining outcomes, ensures the project is targeted and effective. Each stage contributes to the overall goal of improving people’s health and wellbeing. This understanding helps care workers and health professionals contribute effectively to health promotion efforts, benefiting individuals and communities alike.