Independent Report Confirms Up to £74 Social Value for Every £1 Invested in Halton Wellbeing Service
An independent evaluation of WE Connect, the community-based social prescribing programme delivered by Wellbeing Enterprises CIC and funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, has revealed an exceptional social return on investment (SROI) for the period February 2022 to April 2025. The findings show that for every £1 invested, the initiative generated between £46.67 and £74.68 in social value -equivalent to £14.74 to £23.58 each year - demonstrating its significant and sustained impact on individuals and communities.
The analysis, conducted by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) examined secondary data collected between February 2022 and April 2025. It found statistically significant improvements in mental wellbeing, emotional health, and life satisfaction among those taking part - highlighting the value of holistic, person-centred approaches to prevention and support.
Dr. Hannah Timpson, Reader in Socioeconomic Engagement in Health at LJMU, who led the evaluation, said:
“The analysis of routinely collected data shows meaningful improvements in wellbeing and emotional health, supported by statistically significant changes in validated measures. The findings demonstrate that WE Connect has created outcomes with wide-ranging social and economic value, underpinned by a robust approach to evidencing impact.”
Over the course of the evaluation period, WE Connect worked with more than 7,260 people through a combination of direct support and collaborative working. The offer included structured one-to-one support, personalised wellbeing planning, group activities, psychoeducational resources, and training opportunities. Alongside this, the team worked closely with over 77 local organisations to help individuals access wider services and strengthen their support networks.
The calculated net social impact was £4.89 million, even after accounting for external attribution and deadweight. On an annual basis, the programme generated between £14.74 and £23.58 of social value per £1 invested - a powerful benchmark for those seeking value-driven, community-based interventions.
A Different Way to Do Prevention
WE Connect is a non-clinical, personalised approach that supports people to address the practical, social and emotional issues that can often impact health and wellbeing. Delivered through a structured three-step approach - listening carefully, co-designing a plan, and taking action together - the model helps people build confidence, access timely support, and feel more in control of their lives. It is rooted in relationships, not transactions.
Mark Swift, Founder and CEO of Wellbeing Enterprises CIC, said:
“This report offers compelling evidence that community-powered models are not just effective - they represent excellent value for money. When we invest in people, listen without judgement, and walk alongside them in partnership, the results are transformative.
At a time when systems are under strain, we’re inviting commissioners, funders and civic leaders to collaborate with us. Let’s scale what works, share learning, and shape a more relational and preventative approach to health and wellbeing.”
Scaling What Works - Let’s Build the Future of Prevention Together
With strong independent evidence now in hand, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC is welcoming new partners to:
- Replicate the WE Connect model in new localities
- Design innovative, co-funded prevention partnerships
- Contribute to national learning through robust evidence and practice
The executive summary of the report is available to download here
You can view the video report here
Contact
James Smith
Business Development Manager, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC
Office: 01928 589 799
www.wellbeingenterprises.org.uk
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Notes to Editors:
About Wellbeing Enterprises CIC
Founded in 2005, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC is one of the UK’s first and longest-standing Community Interest Companies. The organisation has pioneered community-led approaches to health and wellbeing for over two decades, working in partnership with citizens, the NHS, local authorities, and a wide range of third sector and academic organisations.
Its mission is to support individuals and communities to live happier, healthier, and more connected lives by tackling the root causes of poor health and amplifying the assets, ideas, and aspirations of local people. Wellbeing Enterprises is nationally recognised for its innovative work in social prescribing, community development, and civic participation.
With a focus on co-production, innovation, and system change, the organisation supports thousands of people every year through a blend of one-to-one support, learning opportunities, community projects, and research collaborations.
