Impact and reach
Since launching in 2013, we have distributed over 850 DVDs, on request, to over 70 different services or organisations. This number and mix of people asking for the films is a strong indication of need but also how much it speaks to different people in different contexts. The films have multiple roles and are being used by:
The resource was named Overall Winner 2014 of the Project Innovation Challenge, a global initiative supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and Columbia University. A short film was made about Maslaha's working approach, which will be used in workshops around the world on social innovation and in Columbia's curriculum.
The films are also used by:
- Over 50 GP surgeries, IAPT teams and mental health services as resources for patients
- Over 20 organisations as resources for communities
- 7 NHS Trusts nationally as training tools for health practitioners
The resource was named Overall Winner 2014 of the Project Innovation Challenge, a global initiative supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and Columbia University. A short film was made about Maslaha's working approach, which will be used in workshops around the world on social innovation and in Columbia's curriculum.
The films are also used by:
- King's College School of Medicine (KCL) in a Selective Study Course (SSC) for undergraduate medical students on health inequalities in BME communities
- Royal Holloway University as part of their Social Work course
Layers of impact
As social issues are frequently complex, Maslaha's projects seek to influence change at multiple levels. The projects therefore show different 'layers' of impact.
Personal impact:
The fact that a Somali lady volunteered to speak on film, without her face or voice obscured, due to the extent of stigma (even as an actor), and what this now might be able to influence nationally. See her journey below.
Personal impact:
The fact that a Somali lady volunteered to speak on film, without her face or voice obscured, due to the extent of stigma (even as an actor), and what this now might be able to influence nationally. See her journey below.
'Aisha's' journey in pictures
Comic extracts from Meet the Somalis (c) Open Society Foundations
Communication impact:
The fact that we were even able to make a film – and create a ‘language’ – about mental health conditions which don't ‘exist’ in Somali
Community impact:
The fact that other Somali women were impressed by the film and more open with each other; this lessens stigma hence they are more likely to come forward themselves
The fact that we were even able to make a film – and create a ‘language’ – about mental health conditions which don't ‘exist’ in Somali
Community impact:
The fact that other Somali women were impressed by the film and more open with each other; this lessens stigma hence they are more likely to come forward themselves
Well done that you had the courage to do this! It's so good that you did that; that you talked about these things.
Female attendee of film screening, speaking to 'Aisha'
Patient and relations impact:
The fact that the resource has helped improve understanding and empathy within families, and the possibility of seeking support
The fact that the resource has helped improve understanding and empathy within families, and the possibility of seeking support
Relief that something is there to help. One woman felt it might help her family accept her back.
Anonymous response to feedback survey
It’s more open – because the imam also talks about it, not only the doctor, so this makes it more open.
Female attendee of film screening (translated quote)
Impact on current health services:
The fact that doctors have something to use with their patients and are therefore providing a better service, which also increases likelihood of patients coming forward
The fact that doctors have something to use with their patients and are therefore providing a better service, which also increases likelihood of patients coming forward
Very well thought out and addresses some of the issues we hear a lot.
Mental health practitioner responding to feedback survey
The film is stunning - so perfectly pitched and saying absolutely everything I'd want my patients to know but in a way that's simple enough to understand. It's outstanding.
NHS CBT therapist, Luton & Bucks.
Impact on future generations of medical staff:
The fact that it’s used as a training tool by NHS Trusts and in universities, meaning staff now provide more relevant support:
The fact that it’s used as a training tool by NHS Trusts and in universities, meaning staff now provide more relevant support:
- 88% of GPs and practitioners we questioned place great importance on providing patients with culturally- and religiously-appropriate support. Similarly, 75% greatly value being able to give a patient a physical resource.
- 71% believe this resource greatly helps them provide a better service or do a better job.
