Background and aims
Sport Assisting Youth Now (SAY Now) is a collaborative education awareness approach to reducing alcohol-related harm through sports clubs. SAY Now provides a forum for bringing together sporting role models and key stakeholders (e.g. health professionals, NZ Police, local government, Accident Compensation Corporation) to raise awareness of alcohol-related harm with young people in sport settings.
Our role
Global Research was contracted to evaluate the SAY Now initiative.
We measured the effectiveness of the programme with an online and paper-based participant survey, along with interviews and observations. A report based on the findings from the information gathered assessed the Programme’s quality, along with its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
Design and method
There were a number of different types of club members (players, administrators, coaches) who participated in each Say Now session. The survey was filtered to ensure that sub-groups only answered relevant questions. Alcohol use questions were based on New Zealand’s recognised questioning standard. This is a sensitive issue for individuals and an important issue for New Zealand. At all times participant confidentiality was maintained and participant needs were balanced with making improvements in an area which is essential for the health of young and older New Zealanders.
Result
The SAY Now Programme has now received two evaluations from Global Research. Each evaluation has been positive for the programme, with recommendations for improvements being made along with identification of its significant success.
Outcome
The SAY Now programme is confident it is having a positive impact on participants. Funders of the programme have been assured that their investment is well placed. The programme has been improved by implementing the evaluation recommendations. Canterbury sports clubs are better equipped to make a positive change in the lives of many New Zealanders, young and old.
