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Wesley Hall Community Centre: Theory of Change Model in Action

At Wesley Hall, we build our services with purpose, shaped by the people we support. Every project we deliver starts with listening. What’s missing? What’s working? What’s needed? From there, we use a simple but effective approach called the Theory of Change. It helps us map out the steps needed to move from immediate challenges to long-term change.


This means we are delivering more than one-off activities, we are tracking progress, adapting when things don’t work and celebrating what does. From food support and mental health to creative workshops and employment, here’s how that looks across some of our current work:


People unload groceries from a car's trunk from trolleys on a street for Wesley Hall food bank.

1. Pantry & Food Bank


What we’re doing:


  • Weekly food pantry and food bank

  • Donation drives with local partners

  • Cooking demos using pantry ingredients


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: 150+ households accessing at least 3 healthy meals a week

  • Mid-term: Families are learning to budget and make food stretch

  • Long-term: Pantry users report lower food anxiety and stronger community connections


A woman and child read a book on a blue and green mat. The book shows illustrations of bunnies, creating a cozy and affectionate mood.

2. Under-5s Project & Parent Support


What we’re doing:


  • Weekly sessions with toddlers and parents focused on learning through play

  • Storytime afternoons and literacy workshops

  • Monthly ‘Parents Connect’ peer groups


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: 40% boost in school readiness among participating children

  • Mid-term: Parents share stories of growth and connection

  • Long-term: Children starting nursery with better communication and confidence


People sit on chairs in a circle in a room, raising their arms in unison during a seated exercise at Wesley Hall CC.

3. Exercise & Movement


What we’re doing:


  • Seated aerobics, walking clubs and movement sessions for older adults

  • Dance sessions for single mums and community members


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: Participants feel more flexible and mobile

  • Mid-term: 30% drop in stress levels

  • Long-term: People are more active, social and confident


Two women seated at a table, smiling, sewing. One wears a white hat, the other a sari. Stacked chairs in the background, wooden floor.

4. Sewing for Confidence & Connection


What we’re doing:


  • Beginner and advanced sewing classes every week


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: 19 learners built practical sewing skills

  • Mid-term: Participants report improved confidence, wellbeing and social connection

  • Long-term: A peer-led mentoring group has formed, with several learners now supporting others


Three women in hijabs sit at a table, discussing papers. One writes with a red pen. Background includes a whiteboard and stacked chairs.

5. English Language Support


What we’re doing:


  • Weekly conversation circles and literacy classes

  • Mid-term assessments and ESOL exam prep

  • Guest sessions from NHS partners to link learners with local services


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: CEFR language improvements within 10 weeks

  • Mid-term: Participants go on to further study and skill development

  • Long-term: Better job prospects and smoother integration into local life


Ten people smiling, holding certificates, stand in a row against a blue curtain. They wear colourful clothing, conveying a celebratory mood.

6. Driving Test & Employability Support


What we’re doing:


  • Theory test workshops and mock exams

  • CV building and interview practice

  • ‘Licence Brunch’ to celebrate learners’ progress


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: 75% theory test pass rate in 6 weeks

  • Mid-term: More people securing job interviews

  • Long-term: Greater independence and progress toward employment


Four people smiling, holding colourful paper flowers. Background shows a window and a wall with posters. Warm and cheerful setting.

7. Day Centre & Wider Community Activities


What we’re doing:


  • Weekly drop-in café, crafts, exercise sessions and day trips

  • Heritage and cultural celebrations


What we’re seeing:


  • Short-term: Over 25 people attending regularly

  • Mid-term: 80% report feeling less isolated

  • Long-term: Peer support and social bonds continue outside the centre


Measuring What Matters


To make sure our work delivers real impact, we track progress through:


  • Attendance and demographics

  • Surveys before and after sessions

  • Feedback from participants, partners and staff

  • Outcome-focused data and stories


Theory of Change: A Real Example


Sewing Classes


  • Need: Lack of creative outlets, social isolation

  • Input: Sewing machines, tutors, supplies

  • Activity: Weekly group sessions

  • Short-term outcome: 2 certified trainers delivered 12 sessions

  • Mid-term outcome: Boosted skills, wellbeing and friendships

  • Long-term outcome: Peer mentoring, income generation for some, cost savings for others


Our Recent Impact at a Glance


  • Over 500kg of food was redistributed last month, food that would otherwise have gone to waste

  • 12 sewing sessions completed over 3 months, with 5 participants stepping up as mentors

  • 10 learners passed their driving theory test, and 4 have already found jobs


Four women smiling in a room with colourful walls and star decorations. They wear bright, patterned outfits, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

Looking Ahead


Our Theory of Change is a practical tool that keeps our work focused, community-led and accountable. As the needs of our community grow more complex, we’ll continue listening, learning and responding.


Every project we run is about building stronger foundations, not just for individuals, but for the whole community.


Want to get involved or support our work? Contact our team at support@wesleyhallcc.co.uk or call our office on 0116 262 6000.

 
 
 

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