Protocol for evaluation of Movember’s scaling what works grant funding program: Supporting the delivery of mental health interventions for men & boys in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom

TL;DR

This paper outlines a plan to evaluate a mental health grant program for men and boys in three countries, focusing on how well it works and how it can be scaled up.

Contribution

The study introduces a tailored scalability assessment tool and a structured evaluation protocol for mental health interventions in grant-funded programs.

Findings

The evaluation will assess implementation, effectiveness, cost, and scalability of 17 mental health projects.

A universal outcome measure, the Personal Wellbeing Index, will be used across all projects.

The study will inform best practices for scaling mental health interventions in grant-funded contexts.

Abstract

Mental ill health among men and boys is a significant global issue, with barriers to recognising symptoms, seeking help, and accessing services. In response, Movember launched the Scaling What Works (SWW) grant funding in 2022. This initiative supports 17 diverse mental health projects across Australia, Canada, and the UK, targeting communities, schools, and workplaces to address the varied needs and contexts of men and boys.

Our evaluation protocol outlines the approach to assessing the SWW program across four domains: implementation, effectiveness, cost (implementation and cost-effectiveness), and scalability. Using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool (ISAT) as a framework, we aim to embed scalability considerations into the evaluation design. Data will be collected qualitatively and quantitatively from project participants, facilitators, and Movember staff throughout the funding period. Effectiveness will be measured using the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) as a universal outcome across projects. Scalability will be assessed using a purpose-built tool developed in consultation with ISAT’s creator, tailored to project-specific needs.

This evaluation will provide insights into program effectiveness, implementation strategies, delivery costs, and cost-effectiveness. With a strong focus on scalability, it aims to inform mental health service providers and funders on best practices for scaling interventions within grant-funded contexts.

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