‘She is not your rehab’ impact evaluation 2022
Project Background
This evaluation was originally designed to evaluate the impact of monthly meetings for men held by My Father’s Barber. However, due to COVID-19, the monthly meetings were unable to be held, so the original evaluation plans were adapted to respond to the 2022 COVID-19 context. The evaluation pivoted to an in-depth examination of the Pasifika perspective of the ‘She is not your rehab’ movement. This work builds on previous evaluative work undertaken by Ihi Research with My Fathers Barbers.
What we did
This work draws on several sources of data including an online social media survey, interviews with experienced Pasifika counsellors, and two men who have experienced the monthly meetings and ongoing counselling support. The online survey investigated the reach and impact of the social media messages that underpin the ‘She is not your rehab’ movement. Evidence demonstrates the multi-faceted approach of social media, book, audio book, face-to-face meetings and counselling work together to create a recognisable brand that resonates for both male and female social media users. Interestingly, 48 of the 61 survey responses were from women.
Outcome
Evidence from the impact case studies demonstrate the impact of the personal and professional experiences of Nicky and Phil (Pacific counsellors), and how this informs their approach to support. A previous evaluation of the My Fathers Barbers Barber Wānanga (Leonard, Te Hēmi & Donovan, 2020) examined impact experiences from a primarily ao Māori viewpoint by examining the historical trauma inflicted by colonisation on iwi, hapū and whānau collective approaches to care and how traditional views of masculinity were usurped. In addition to recognising the impact of colonisation on Pacific peoples, this report highlights the added trauma of the migration experience.
The racism, discrimination, othering and ostracism suffered by immigrants from Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa created an additional layer of trauma and therefore an added layer of risk that family harm would occur. This evaluation posits the counselling support provided is successful because it is, by design and intent, ‘by Pacific, for Pacific’. The counsellors are Samoan and have lived experience of the challenges their clients face. They are trained in Western therapeutic models and are able to select between Western and Indigenous models from an ‘as Samoan’ lens, rather than a culturally responsive or culturally competent frame. The importance of their innate ability to create a safe space, giving care to the vā, dignity, respect, care and alofa (love) cannot be overstated.
“Reading Matt and Sarah’s book helped me feel much stronger and at peace when thinking about and understanding the impact of witnessing and experiencing violence as a child in my family. It was comforting to see my experience mirrored in what Matt talked about and realising I can comfort and care for my young self as an adult.”
- Survey Comment
Find out how we can help you
We’ll work with you to find out what’s working, where investment could be put to best use or how to improve anything not going to plan. We can help you define success and set tangible, measurable goals. And we talk in real language so you can understand and engage with the findings. We engage with the community to conduct community research and consultations for private companies, trusts, government agencies, NGOs and more. But we have a special interest in research that has a purpose - to better society and teach lessons. We aim to help those we work with build capacity to enact positive change.
