Reaching the right voices: SDF’s approach to the National Mission evaluation

In early 2024, Public Health Scotland (PHS) approached the Research and Peer Engagement team at Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) to support one of the work packages of the evaluation of the Scottish Government's National Mission. SDF's peer research work involves people with lived and living experience of using substances gathering the views and experiences of other people who use substances, those accessing treatment or using other services. 

This guest blog explores the approach and reflections from Samantha Stewart, Research and Peer Engagement Senior Officer at SDF, alongside peer researchers, who facilitated the completion of a survey across Scotland, the findings of which are published today in the Evaluation of the National Mission on Drug Deaths: Lived experience survey. 

Preparing the team

Coproduction is at the heart of our peer research approach so involving our peer researchers from the start of the work was key. Thirteen peer researchers from across Scotland joined an initial planning and training session, working with staff to help shape early survey drafts. To ensure accessibility for our peers we offered both online and in-person opportunities to be involved. In these sessions, peers gave feedback, practiced guiding others through the survey, and role-played different situations.

Digital exclusion is a common barrier for people with lived and living experience, so giving peers a chance to learn how to use tablets for data collection was hugely valuable. It built their confidence and allowed the survey to be completed more efficiently, key to reaching a large number of participants in a limited timeframe.

Planning outreach

The National Mission is Scotland-wide, so we wanted to hear the different experiences across Scotland. Alongside PHS, we set participant targets for each Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) area, based on population and level of need.

To get this wide range of experiences, we drew on our existing networks and local connections of peers as well as doing outreach to build new contacts too. Learning from previous projects, we attended places in person to reach those who couldn’t otherwise engage with a digital survey.

Individuals with living experience were key targets for this work so we recruited from the spaces they already knew and engaged with, meaning we could connect directly with participants.  The survey was also promoted via flyers in services and on social media to further boost our reach. We reimbursed people for their time and participation.

Data collection

The response was vast. We supported 419 (of the in total 494) survey completions across 27 ADP areas, reaching 43 services and groups. These included NHS clinics, recovery cafes, a prison, and a rehab centre.

This success came down to careful planning—but even more so, by putting peer researchers at the heart of this work. Their lived experience created real connections with participants. As our peer Chris shared:

“I feel it is an important role for peers with lived experience as we can put ourselves in their place which is an important asset. The SDF always makes sure that both parties are always safe and not vulnerable in any situation, which I feel is the best approach to delivery.”

We also made sure our peers felt supported throughout. Some shadowed SDF staff at the beginning to build confidence and staff were available at data collection sessions, to offer support to the peer team when needed. In fact, we were often only needed to help with additional completions due to high demand! After each session, we debriefed and reflected together in group meetings.

Final Thoughts

Reaching those most impacted by substance use and related issues, and therefore with the most to gain from the National Mission, was essential for this evaluation. Our peer research approach, paired with an efficient but effective survey, allowed us to gain strong representation. Not only did we hear from people in most areas of Scotland, but we captured experiences of those who otherwise would not have been included.

As peer researcher Jacqui put it:

“The questionnaire was well set up and was very interesting to take and see how the participants felt. They were finally being listened to for the first time…they were able to speak and knew we were hearing what they were saying.”

For more information about Scottish Drug Forum, please visit www.sdf.org.uk 

Find out more about Public Health Scotland's evaluation of the Scottish Government’s National Mission, please visit National Mission Evaluation.

To read more about the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drugs, please visit National Mission on Drugs.