Kailo, a community-focused research pilot project, was looking to bring together a diverse group of researchers to tackle some big questions around community-building and social impact. The project aimed to create a research platform that helps improve the mental health of young people in both Devon and Newham, by improving the outcomes and indicators that impact young people’s mental health in those areas. I joined the Newham team to help drive the project forward, contributing my experience in digital tools and evaluation. Our objective was to build a strong foundation for the Kailo project, ensuring it could serve as a valuable resource for communities around the UK.
Working with the Kailo team was all about collaboration and sharing ideas. We had a mix of in-person meetings and online sessions, making sure everyone was on the same page and that we could keep the momentum going.
Our collaboration led to some great outcomes for the Kailo project: We managed to create a great evaluation framework for the project, with clear pathways for how it could grow and evolve over time. Our research also provided valuable insights that helped shape future strategies for transitioning the project beyond its pilot phase.
As a result the Kailo project is now positioned to become a leading resource on improving young people's mental health across the UK. Contributing to this initiative was incredibly rewarding and demonstrated how teamwork and the right tools can bring ambitious ideas to life.