Cash-First Programme: interim evaluation - updated

• Distribution of funding
• Evaluation
• Policy framework and guidance
• Support for collaboration

Reduce the need for food banks

• Increased awareness and access to Cash-First services
• Increased engagement with identified target groups
• Engagement of new groups
• Increased uptake of wider support services
• Increased household incomes

Improved systems and processes

• Strengthened referral pathways
• New partnerships and ways of working developed
• New processes developed and implemented

Learning and best practice

• Identification of success factors
• People with lived experience can shape and form the services that impact them
• Understanding the differences in access between rural and urban areas

Reduce the need for food banks

• Reduction in food bank visits, including repeat visits
• Individuals can access food that meets their needs and preferences consistently
• Improved access to sufficient and secure incomes
• Individuals engaging with support are treated with dignity
• Long term sustained decrease in food bank visits

Improved systems and processes

• Referral pathways embedded in practice
• Sustainable partnerships and ways of working embedded
• Reduced individual need for support from wider financial or other services
• Best practice referral/application process addresses barriers to access to facilitate uptake

Learning and best practice

• Referral pathways are embedded and consistent
• People with lived experience are integral to service design
• Cash-First is clearly understood by all stakeholders and promoted as an effective intervention
• Learning is implemented to deliver sustained outcomes and impacts for services and individuals
• Cash-First approach is embedded in service

• Facilitate learning within and across Delivery Partners
• Promote and advise on good practice, policy and legislation

• Disburse cash to people in financial crisis
• Develop referral pathways
• Facilitate access to additional support
• Involve people with lived experience
• Knowledge sharing and learning in local partners

• Development of referral pathways
• Share good practice and knowledge
• Facilitate partnership working