Social Return on Investment evaluation of the ‘Art of Life’ project

Background

Discussions about death, dying, and end-of-life preferences are widely recognised as important for supporting individual wellbeing, autonomy, and informed decision-making. The ‘Art of Life’ project is a community-based creative initiative designed to support individuals engaging in conversations about death, dying and advance care planning topics that are often experienced as difficult or avoided.

Methods

This study applied a mixed-methods approach, utilising a Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire integrating the Short Warwick Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) tool along with the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE) to capture changes in outcomes. Contingent Valuation (CV) method questions included to ascertain respondents’ choices and preferences, trade-offs and associated value and benefits of the ‘Art of Life’ project.

Results

Applying conservative adjustments for deadweight, attribution, and displacement, the analysis indicated that the creative project generated social value in excess of its delivery costs, with an estimated positive SROI ratio, indicating that for every €1 invested, generated approximately €2.43 in social value. CV analysis for (n = 88) participants indicates that on average, respondents are WTP €20.57 per month for the associated health and wellbeing benefits of availing of this creative project.

Conclusions

Investment in ‘Art of Life’ project could assist with results identified positive improvements in mental well-being, confidence and in discussing end-of-life matters as well as demonstrating a return saving for every €1 invested. The study provides evidence supporting the role of creative initiatives as innovative approaches for community health and wellbeing promotion.

Key messages

• Creative projects can contribute to meaningful improvements in participants’ wellbeing, confidence and engagement with end-of-life planning.

• Community based approaches can generate a social return on investment along with well being improvements.