Support 360
This project demonstrated the importance of investing not only in services but also in community capacity and infrastructure. Staff and volunteers were trained to Level 2 in Information, Advice and Guidance, while volunteers developed confidence and transferable skills. This created a longer-term legacy by developing individuals who could continue to provide knowledge and support within their communities.
Below are the 4 delivery partners that were identified as located in Burnley and Pendle.
Key Findings
Original Target: 540
People Supported: 1083
The evaluation found that a major reason for its success was that the delivery organisations were already embedded within and trusted by their communities.
Support 360 incorporated various methods of getting support, including telephone support, digital assistance and the use of WhatsApp to share and translate correspondence.
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The independent evaluation concluded that the programme went beyond traditional welfare and advice provision. By building skills, confidence, social connections and community capacity, it helped create greater resilience and supported people and communities towards increased socio-economic independence. It recommended that further investment should be sought to continue the approach, recognising that strengthening community capacity can both increase self-reliance and reduce pressure on overstretched public services.