PhD Student

First Supervisor: Prof Yannis Pappas

Second Supervisor: Prof Gurch Randhawa

Second Supervisor: Prof Angel Chater

Title of the Research

Evaluating the Implementation, Practices and outcomes of Family Hubs

Abstract

Background: Early childhood and family health has been a public health agenda globally for decades, however it has become a significantly higher priority since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the majority of child health outcomes are improving, the statistics still demonstrate the UK to be inferior in a multitude of outcomes in relation to other developed countries. Early childhood is also a vital timepoint in an individual’s lifespan where a majority of development occurs and thus is a crucial opportunity for educational and stimulating interventions to have a lasting positive effect. One example of ensuring interventions are able to occur and be accessible to families is through Family Hubs. A Family Hub can be classified as the initial point of contact through a ‘one stop shop’ for families to obtain information and access important services. A Family Hub is still a novel concept within Luton which is still undergoing the transition from children’s centres to a Family Hub. Aim: To conduct an implementation and outcomes evaluation of a Family Hub in Luton to identify the key components of a Family Hub, and propose future recommendations for their wider implementation. Methods: A Hybrid-Type II Convergent Mixed Methods approach will be taken utilising a systematic review, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, surveys, and a controlled trial across five objectives to complete the evaluation.

Funding: This PhD has been funded by The National Lottery Funding through Early Years Alliance, Flying Start Luton.

Areas of Interest

Family Health, Health Service Evaluation, Obesity, Public Health, Behaviour Change.

Publications

• Kukucska, D., Whitehall, J., Shorter, G.W., Howlett, N., Wyld, K. & Chater, A.M. (2023, accepted 17-2). A systematic review of Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) to improve the health behaviours, psychological wellbeing and/or physical health of police staff. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology.
• Whitehall, J., Cook, E., Vseteckova, J., Jones, K., Pappas, Y., Doanld, L., and Chater, A. (2021) Barriers and facilitators for remote engagement with health interventions targeting weight management for individuals living with excess weight. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021253439
• Whitehall, J., Brook-Rowland, P., Haggerwood, S., Elfvengren, S., Zakrzewski-Fruer, J., Cook, E., Gibson-Miller, J., and Chater, A., Chater. Behaviour change training provided to health professionals delivering obesity interventions: a systematic review of approaches, content, outcomes, and efficacy. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021255453

Qualifications

• BSc Sport and Exercise Science, University of Bedfordshire
• Level 3 Personal Trainer
• Level 2 Fitness Instructor
• BOB MECC Trainer
• UKSCA Level 1

Experience

• HP Lecturer for School of Sports Science and Physical Activity.
• Postgraduate Student Ambassador at University of Bedfordshire
• Tier 2 Weight Management Practitioner and Train the Trainer for Public Health Northamptonshire.
• Social Prescribing Link Worker for Active Luton.
• Primary Care Health and Wellbeing Coach for Principal Medical Limited.
• Weight Management Practitioner for MoreLife Ltd.