A variety of data collection was used to capture the impact.

Kristen Neff’s Self-compassion scale questionnaire, a validated tool, was used to measure any potential change in the participant’s self-compassion over the course of the year-long programme?? Research repeatedly demonstrates the links between lower self-compassion with higher levels of psychopathology, and conversely increased self- compassion to lower mental health symptoms and increased self-worth and resilience. ^{5, 33}

The Institute of Functional Medicine use the validated Medical Symptom Questionnaire as a tool to provide a quick overview of physical health symptoms. ²

NHS data via the Sussex Integrated Database was collected anonymously looking at medication and usage of 111/999 services. Unfortunately, there is as yet no data available from other secondary care services.

We collected qualitative data and patient stories from a focus group at the end of Year 1 and the exit appointment from Year 2.

We used a variety of data collection to capture the impact of the year long programme:

• Self-compassion scale
• Medical symptom questionnaire
• NHS data: October 2020 – September 2023
• Qualitative data from focus group and exit appointments