2.3 Evaluate a strategy for supporting an individual in promoting their mental wellbeing and mental health

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Evaluate a strategy for supporting an individual in promoting their mental wellbeing and mental health.

Helping someone promote their mental wellbeing and mental health is a daily part of health and social care work. A strategy is a planned approach or step-by-step method used to bring about a positive outcome. The effectiveness of any strategy must be measured. This means looking at what works, what needs changing, and whether the individual benefits.

Supporting mental health involves more than basic help. It means understanding the individual’s needs, working with them on their strengths, and helping them gain the skills or confidence to cope with challenges. Good support can make a big difference to a person’s self-esteem, independence, and quality of life.

What Is Mental Wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing is about how someone feels about themselves and their life. It is not simply the absence of mental illness. Good mental wellbeing means feeling positive, able to manage everyday stresses, contributing to society, and having meaningful relationships.

Mental health covers feelings, thoughts, behaviour, and resilience. When supporting someone, it is important to focus on wellbeing as well as any diagnosis. Everyday actions, healthy relationships, and supportive environments all help.

Example Strategy: Person-Centred Support Plan

A common way to support someone is through a person-centred support plan. This type of plan puts the individual at the heart of support. It focuses on their wishes, choices, strengths and what matters most to them.

Key Features of a Person-Centred Support Plan

• Joint decision-making
• Respect for the individual’s voice and rights
• Focus on strengths, not just difficulties
• Encouragement towards independence
• Flexible goals that adapt if needs change

Example

Sam feels anxious and low after losing his job. He wants to improve his confidence and connect with others. A person-centred support plan could include:

• Weekly meetings to set small confidence-building goals
• Daily mood and achievement journal
• Attending a local men’s group once a week
• Learning stress coping skills with a mental health worker

Evaluating the Strategy

To evaluate a strategy means looking carefully at its effects. This involves gathering evidence, listening to feedback, and making informed judgements.

Setting Clear Goals

A good strategy starts with clear, measurable goals. Goals must be specific so everyone knows what they are working towards. For example:

• ‘Sam will attend the local men’s group every week for one month’
• ‘Sam will write in his mood journal five days a week’

Identifying Support Tools

The plan for Sam includes several tools:

• Journaling
• Group involvement
• Regular meetings

These tools need to be suitable for the individual. If Sam dislikes group settings, a different approach might be needed. Evaluating the fit of these tools is a key part of strategy review.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence can come from:

• The individual’s feedback (e.g., does Sam feel more confident?)
• Observations (e.g., has Sam’s engagement in activities improved?)
• Mood scores or written journals
• Attendance at groups or sessions

Evidence should be gathered regularly, whether during support sessions or at set review points.

Measuring Success

Success is not always a big change or a final outcome. Instead, look for signs of progress:

• Increased participation in activities
• Willingness to try new things
• Improved mood or less anxiety
• Growing support network

Success is different for each person. What matters is movement towards their own goals.

Adjusting the Strategy

If something is not working, adjustments need to be made. For example, if Sam stops attending the group, find out why. It might be too overwhelming. Alter the plan by suggesting a one-to-one session first, or a different activity.

Feedback can come from Sam himself, staff, or family. All suggestions should be respectfully considered.

Other Common Strategies

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT)

CBT is a technique used to help people recognise and change unhelpful thinking patterns. An individual may learn to notice negative thoughts (“I’m useless”) and swap them for more balanced thoughts (“I made a mistake, but I can try again”).

Benefits:

• Breaks the cycle of negative thinking
• Helps people gain control over their reactions
• Short sessions, can be learned as self-help

Limitations:

• Some people struggle with regular practice
• May not suit everyone’s way of thinking

Peer Support

This matches an individual with someone who has lived experience of similar issues. Sharing with someone who understands can offer hope and reduce isolation.

Benefits:

• Increases connection and trust
• Promotes self belief

Limits:

• Not everyone is comfortable sharing
• Some require professional help alongside

Exercise and Activity Programmes

Regular activity can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Programmes can be as simple as walking or joining a class.

Benefits:

• Improves physical health as well
• May provide structure

Limits:

• Motivation can be low for some
• Physical conditions may restrict choice

Factors Affecting Strategy Success

Success depends on several factors:

• The individual’s willingness to participate
• Suitability of activities/goals
• Supportive relationships
• Staff skill and consistency
• Organisational policies and resources
• The presence of any other health or social issues

If one area falters, the strategy may need review.

How to Carry Out a Good Evaluation

A structured evaluation involves several steps. Here is a suggested framework:

1. Review the Starting Point

Begin by checking what things were like before the strategy started. Use the individual’s own words if possible. For example, “Sam didn’t leave the house, felt lonely, and described himself as low.”

2. Monitor Progress

Track what has changed since the plan began. Look at:

• How the person participates
• Changes in mood/feelings
• Observations from staff or care partners

Regular notes help to build a picture.

3. Collect Feedback

Ask the person how they feel now. Are they happier? Do they see value in the activities? Ask family or trusted friends as well, if appropriate.

4. Check Against Goals

Go back to the original goals. Are they being met? If not, why? Did the person’s needs change? Did any challenges stop progress?

5. Adjust and Plan Next Steps

Use findings to make changes. This might mean new goals, different activities, or extra support. The evaluation is ongoing.

Evidence Use in Evaluation

Good evidence includes:

• The person’s voice (verbal feedback, journal entries)
• Behaviour (attendance, initiative, involvement)
• Clinical scales (e.g., anxiety or mood ratings if used)
• Observations (staff records or progress notes)

All information remains confidential. Only those who need to know should access personal records.

Using Professional Guidance and Policies

All actions must fit with national guidelines and the individual’s legal rights. For mental health, this means:

• Informed consent to support and treatment
• Respecting the person’s wishes and dignity
• Following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when decisions are needed
• Adhering to the Mental Health Act 1983 when there are risks to the person or others

Support workers should always check with managers or clinical leads if unsure.

Overcoming Barriers

Sometimes, strategies do not work as planned. Common barriers include:

• Lack of motivation
• Conflicting advice from family or friends
• Accessibility problems (location, time, cost)
• Stigma or fear about mental health
• Language or communication needs

Addressing these involves discussion with the individual, creative problem solving, and linking with wider services.

Working with Others

Collaboration with other professionals can help. This could include:

• GPs or mental health nurses
• Social workers
• Occupational therapists
• Community groups

Bringing together skills and resources helps to offer joined-up support. The focus remains on the individual.

Summary of Key Points for Evaluation

• Start with clear, agreed goals.
• Use several ways of collecting evidence.
• Involve the person in everything.
• Adjust plans based on what works.
• Protect privacy at every stage.
• Keep accurate records.

Example Evaluation

Let’s say Sam’s person-centred plan involved joining a men’s group and journaling.

After six weeks:

• Sam attended three out of six group sessions.
• He filled out his journal four days per week.
• At review, Sam says the group is harder than he’d thought, but he enjoys parts of it.
• Staff note he is more confident talking with others in day-to-day settings.
• Sam’s mood scores show a slight improvement.

What does this mean? There is progress on confidence, but group attendance is variable. The strategy partly works, but an adjustment may help—such as having a support worker go with Sam, or finding an activity better suited for him.

Staff should discuss these outcomes with Sam. They will update goals based on what he finds helpful.

Final Thoughts

Supporting individuals to promote their own mental wellbeing and mental health is a dynamic process. It involves clear planning, regular review, the person’s full participation, and willingness to adapt.

Evaluating any support strategy means finding out whether the individual is making progress towards their own goals. Worker input, careful record-keeping, and honest communication build a safe, effective environment. All support must follow legal, ethical, and policy requirements.

Person-centred support works best when it is flexible and open to feedback. Every small step forward matters. The individual’s own view of success must guide all action. This helps to build independence, self-worth, and a better quality of life.