An independent evaluation of Tottenham Thinking Space: October 2013 – December 2014

The University of East London (UEL) was appointed jointly by Haringey Directorate of Public Health and the Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust to independently evaluate the Tottenham Thinking Space Project. Tottenham Thinking Space (TTS) was launched in October 2013. The research for this report took place between March and December 2014. An interim report on the initial implementation of TTS found early indications that a robust and professional implementation strategy was being put in place and the initiative was being embedded into local agencies and engaging with local communities (Price et al 2014). This report outlines the origins of the therapeutic approach and its implementation in the context of Tottenham. It describes how TTS has evolved and evaluates the extent to which it is meeting its outcomes. This evaluation, with its focus on outcomes, takes place at an early stage of the initiative. Whilst many outcomes are being achieved, it is too early to evidence medium and longer term outcomes. Our evaluation approach, however, enables us to predict if these outcomes can be expected.