Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment
Wellbeing belongs at the heart of policymaking
Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessments
The process identifies factors that are having, or have the potential to have, a positive or negative impact on mental wellbeing. Once identified, actions and indicators are developed to maximise positive outcomes and provide ways to measure the impact going forward.
MWIA provides a structured, evidence-based analysis of how policies, proposals and programmes might influence the mental wellbeing of whānau, hapū, iwi or communities.
With wellbeing and mental health being two priorities, the MWIA provides an ideal methodology for supporting system reform to reorient to a mental wellbeing focus.Unlock the full potential of your organization by utilizing the scientifically-driven Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment, developed in the United Kingdom to holistically evaluate mental wellbeing in line with the Health Impact Assessment methodology.
An independent first level review of evidence to assess the effectiveness of the MWIA process concluded that there is strong qualitative evidence that the MWIA makes a difference to the way initiatives are implemented.
"A wellbeing approach is about ensuring the broad range of factors that matter to new zealanders are central to the government’s definition of success and drive our decision making. faced with complex issues such as child poverty, inequality, and climate change, we cannot hope to make the best choices for current and future generations if we do not look beyond economic growth and consider social, environmental, and economic implications together."
2019 Budget Statement
Examples of how a Mental Wellbeing Imapact Assessment could help inform and influence mentally healthy public policy, planning and service delivery. Public and social policy
Applying a wellbeing lens to new or review of public and social policy and government programmes Climate Change
Support strategies for coastal or drought prone communities likely to be impacted by climate change or reoccurring extreme weather events Community advocacy
Using MWIA to inform political or social advocacy and submission processes.Employment relations
Assessing impact that the casualisation of the workforce or changes in shifts impact on workers and their whanau’s wellbeing?Housing
Incorporating mental wellbeing principles in social housing design e.g colour schemes, use of natural light, access to servicesMajor infrastructure projects
Identifying the wellbeing implications of major projects for whānau, hapū, iwi or communities. Public Transport
Wellbeing principles are applied to public transport service planning, service withdrawals, timetable changes or fare increases. Urban Planning and design
Design of green space to facilitate physical activity, leisure and recreation and social connection.Incorporating positive mental wellbeing principles in new housing and suburb developments.
Services Provided by TaylorMade
Mental Wellbeing Impact AssessmentsAs the leading expert in mental well-being impact assessments in Aotearoa-New Zealand, I am able to undertake an MWIA for your organisation. The two main approaches I offer are:Contracted Service:
TaylorMade is commissioned by your organization to conduct a Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment. Learn as you go:
I work in close collaboration with your team, facilitating experiential learning and strengthening your organization's capacity to undertake MWIAs.
Contact TaylorMade to discuss how your organisation can be assisted to undertake an assessment.
MENTAL WELLBEING IMPACT ASSESSMENT TOOL TRAINING
Become competent in undertaking a mental wellbeing impact assessment. Register for the Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment Tool six-day training program. In 2025, TaylorMade will be offering the training program in Wellington.
Introductory Webinar
Join the Course Overiew Webinar to learn more about the MWIA tool, the course content and have your questions answered
Course Dates 2025:Workshop 1 Tuesday 04 & Wednesday 05 MarchWorkshop 2 Wednesday 02 AprilWorkshop 3 Wednesday 07 MayWorkshop 4 Wednesday 18 June
Project Review Monday's afternoons - July Workshop 5 Wednesday 13 August
Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment ProjectsParticipants will be supported to undertake a Mental Wellbeing impact Assessment on a work related project. The training program is spread over a six months giving sufficient time for participants to progress their assessment and to receive peer review and feedback on each of the training days.
Training Course Outline:Workshop 1: (2 days)Defining mental wellbeingSocial, economic and cultural determinants of wellbeingMWIA framework and its applicationsExamples of how MWIA can be appliedEstablishing the MWIA question: what impact do you want to assess and who do you want to influence?Identification of participants’ MWIA projectsMentoring and buddy scheme for projects Workshop 2: (1 day)Screening and scoping of a MWIA - Part 1Appraisal process - gathering and assessing the evidenceFinalising participants’ project Workshop 3: (1 day)Screening and scoping of a MWIA - Part 2
Identification of potential positive and negative impactsParticipants' projects progress updates and peer review
Workshop 4: (1 day)
Identification of indicators and recommendations
Writing the MWIA report
Participants' projects progress updates and peer review
One on One Catchups - August
One hour Zoom meetings with each participant to discuss progress on participant's MWIA
Appointments will be made at the beginning of course
Workshop 5: (1 day)Using the MWIA report to influence changeEvaluating ImpactParticipants’ presentations on their Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment reports
What others have said about the workshops
“Barry’s ability to translate research findings into everyday language means I have a much clearer understanding of the principles of wellbeing and how to apply it to my work”
community worker
“I now have a better understanding of the role of local government in promoting wellbeing and useful strategies on how to apply mental wellbeing outcomes to our Community Plan”
COUNCIL POLICY MANAGER
"So glad I came. Going away with heaps of knowledge and know how to apply in our workplace wellbeing plan. Fantastic opportunity to learn from someone so experienced and knowledgeable"
Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor
“Barry’s understanding of various cultural models of wellbeing meant I felt included and my culture respected”
PACIFIC ISLAND COMMUNITY LEADER
"Really appreciated the sociological analysis and your understanding of the impact of inequality, marginalisation and discrimination on people’s wellbeing"
SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE
"Your passion for mental wellbeing made this a thoroughly stimulating workshop”
HEALTH PROMOTER
"An holistic approach to wellbeing which included the spiritual dimension"
CHURCH MINISTER