Evaluation

How STAA measures its progress

STAA records responses and the levels of engagement of participants during a session. Artists record comments from participants and make a written record of what happened in a session using feedback forms. We gather people’s opinions about the activity itself and how they felt taking part. In all STAA’s activities the emphasis is on participation and process rather than the end product. It is the person's experience in participating which is the focus to the work we do.

The sessions are evaluated by looking at their impact on the well being and quality of life of the individuals who take part and whether the aims for the participating person or group identified at the beginning have been achieved. A report is submitted to the referral organisation with recommendations after consideration is given to the person’s future requirements.

Initially STAA provides ten sessions of activities. The effects of these sessions are measured against the aims identified at the beginning and a decision is made whether we can extend them. Unfortunately STAA can not offer a continued involvement in the arts. We can only provide a limited number of sessions working towards specific care objectives.

In 2004 an STAA’s work was independently evaluated by Professor David Jolley and Kate Read of DementiaPlus West Midlands. PDF document

“STAA has created 1996-2004 a high quality service”.

“The work of STAA goes across boundaries. It is used by health and Social Services….it is accessed through voluntary organisations, age related and cross cultural. This provides a sense of sharing and cohesion.”

“Each programme is a single-case experiment carefully recorded.” “There is little doubt from inspection of randomly chosen case-notes, that note keeping is exemplary and that every client receives an excellent service, often realising achievements and experiences they would not previously have thought possible”.

“It gives an option for older people, particularly those with mental health problems, of adding something to their lives.”

“The breadth of STAA’s work with clients of any background, age or disability and the flexibility and ingenuity shown by the co-ordinator and individual artists, are highly regarded.”