The Fathom Trust: Evaluation Data

This report presents findings from an evaluation of the Fathom Trust: an organisation creating opportunity for person and social regeneration through the holistic process of ‘Fathoming’. A total of 46 participants engaged in 3 focus groups focussing on their reflections of experiences with the Fathom Trust, in addition to the collection of 19 value-based questionnaires. Data has been examined thematically and considered under three key questions focussed on the experience of participants, the impact on their health and wellbeing, and what works for them. Overall, participants shared positive experiences with the Fathom Trust and a number of key themes were identified within focus group dicussions. These themes include experiences of reconnection (with the self, communities and nature), skill building, and holistic approaches in addition to highlighting the importance of early intervention, community care/action, and a whole-systems approach. The value-based questionnaires reflected that participants would, on average, be willing to pay £20 per month from their own expenses to experience the benefits associated with the Fathom Trust, but also reflected that they felt it should not be their burden to do so. Additionally, all participants indicated that they would be willing to partake in an initiative similar to the Fathom Trust if it was offered to them free of charge. Overall, these findings reflect a positive experience of the Fathom Trust and indicate that participants recognised a host of benefits to taking part which they felt they would be willing to pay towards if necessary.