Results
There were statistically significant improvements in levels of self-compassion, using the Self-Compassion Score questionnaire, over the course of both Years 1&2. Cohen’s d (Cohen’s d is defined as the difference between two means divided by a standard deviation for the data) showed a moderate to strong effect in Year 1 and a strong effect in Year 2.
During Year 1, which ran from October 2021 to September 2022, there was a second lockdown during the winter which meant we had to move education sessions online and delay the start to the yoga and TRE sessions. This undoubtedly had an impact on the participants and is likely behind the difference in the results.
The results of the Medical Symptom Questionnaire showed no statistically different change in participants from Year 1, however with Year 2 participants there were statistically significant improvements. Many participants from both cohorts have marked increases in their MSQ scores – these same participants talked about how they had been so disconnected from their physical bodies but during the course of the programme, they started to re-connect to their bodies and therefore started becoming more aware of physical symptoms.
The NHS data we have currently is looking at Year 1 – looking at the change in usage between the year prior to starting the programme and the year after completing the Connection Works programme, highlighting sustained change.
There was a reduction of over 50% in the number of 111 calls during this time period. It was noted that one individual was a very high service user, who contributed to 25% of total calls. Looking at the difference in 111 usage, without this one high user, the number of 111 calls fell by over 80%.
There was a significant reduction in medication usage between the year prior to starting the programme and the year following completion of the programme: a drop in 20% of participants taking antidepressant or anxiolytic medication; a fall of over 40% in participants taking medication for insomnia and >40% reduction in medication for heartburn or gastritis.
I am standing in my own confidence, trust my own experience, make decisions easier with less second guessing my decisions.
Quote from participant
In the year following the programme, there was a significant reduction in medication use.
These numbers show an important, statistically important change but it is qualitative data which can bring this to life.
Themes from year 1 focus group:
The biggest impact from the programme was the combination of the cumulative effect of the various interventions plus having both the time to process what happened and time to embed changes and new habits.
Being validated and being give a sense of hope; “a seed has been planted”.
Themes from year 2 exit appointments:
Empowered by tools I can use
Improved sleep
Feel more resourced
Actually using the tools for self-care
22
Feel connected to myself
Physically stronger
More aware of my physical bod
15
Self-compassionate towards myself
More understanding towards myself
More patience with myself
14
Emotionally stronger
Feel able to manage stress
11
Better boundaries
I am able to say no
I can ask for what I need
9
Feeling connected to others
Socially healthier relationships
8
More connected to nature
Walking outside more
7
Improved relationship to food
7
Reduced anxiety
6
New job / new studying
3 / 2
Improved sleep
4
This innovative programme is a practical, reproducible and cost-effective treatment programme for healing those who are struggling with the wide-ranging impacts of trauma.
The regularity of interventions with the consistent compassionate messaging, over time helped participants to reconsider their own self narrative story and move from self- neglect to self-care. The impacts on mental and physical wellbeing have been profound, and for many participants this has been transformational.
The year-long ConnectionWorks programme provided participants with a safe container to re-connect with themselves and their environment in a paced, compassionate way, and in the process find their own unique path to healing.