Evaluation of implementation has highlighted again and again why new initiatives fail or do not last. The following three ingredients are needed to achieve the outcomes you are seeking for your programme.
Above is adapted from: National Implementation Research Network from the University of North Carolina
Answering these important questions will help you to build firm foundations:
- What question might peer support be the answer to?
- What do you have already that supports your goals?
- Where do you want to be in 5 years', even 10 years' time?
- What are you seeking to achieve longer term?
- How could/might peer support contribute to this?
- What are the local needs and challenges faced by parents and babies?
- What are the local strengths that a peer support initiative could build on?
- What are the overall changes that peer support will bring about for parents and babies?