PROJECT | SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

ReConnect groups and befriending

Reconnect provides group support and peer-befriending to stroke survivors, people with long-term health issues, and their families. Formerly a project under Creative Sustainability CIC, ReConnect registered as an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2022 supported with funding from the NHS Trust and The National Lottery Fund. They recognised the need to develop a new governance structure, re-engage with their stakeholders to build a 3-year strategy and Theory of Change, and improve their impact measurement with the implementation of a streamlined, efficient, affordable M&E system.

What We Did…
We worked with Reconnect directors and primary stakeholders to co-produce a strategic 3 year plan, work that included:

• Clarifying a vision to recognise and harness Reconnect’s tacit knowledge through a review of their Befriending project – its aims and outcome ambitions and community level results
• Stakeholder mapping and analysis
• Stakeholder engagement
• Co-production of a Theory of Change and an evaluation framework linked with Upshot
• A reporting system that supports inclusive beneficiary feedback mechanisms, as well as ensuring strong donor accountability through systematic tracking of outcomes using co-created indicators of change
• Strategic development process that clarifies vision, develop plans and a governance structure
• Mentoring/coaching for staff and directors

Ged and Emily’s input has been transformational for our organisation – developing our 3-year strategy, building a robust governance structure, undertaking stakeholder mapping and analysis, co-producing a Theory of Change, and providing invaluable mentoring and support.

– Coryn Memory, Director, ReConnect Gloucestershire