Celebrating the graduates of the Behavioural Science Academy’s cohort three.

The Behavioural Science Academy is ready to celebrate the graduation of cohort 3 who started their learning journey back in January 2023. To conclude their participation in the academy, candidates presented three behavioural science proposals to system leaders in a “Dragons Den” style event. On the Dragon’s Quest panel were consultant oncologist Trish Fisher, AHP lead and urology pathway lead Orla Reddington and public health programme manager Luke Rollin. 

The winning proposal awarded funding aims to use behavioural nudge techniques to increase the number of people having awareness of and actively attending the Recovery College, Barnsley which aims to empower people to become experts in their own self-care and help people to stay well to prevent the need for mental and physical health services. 

Currently, the demand for mental health services is increasing however, the resources to deal with this demand are decreasing. Recovery Colleges have the scope and capacity to support these services, and while Barnsley currently has the capacity to increase uptake and analysis shows that there is a need locally, people are not coming forward to register or attend. 

The proposal uses nudges to reduce barriers to awareness, first contact and attending induction, with the chosen channels being floor graphics, posters, text messaging, a bespoke landing page and leaflets to be deployed in the S74 and S72 postcodes due to low attendance in these areas. 

The two remaining proposals look to encourage people who live in areas of deprivation and are affected by cancer to gain holistic support and lastly to increase diabetic eye screening uptake in the working-age population in Doncaster.

The former uses marketing materials such as flyers and posters to effectively promote the messages about Weston Park’s Big Purple Bus Service. The nudge designs utilise the existing and well-recognised branding of the charity, including bus-shaped cards that can be discreetly put into people’s prescriptions, instant SMS messages as well as posters and banners. 

The latter aims to address the issue of lower uptake of Diabetic Eye Screening in those of working age in Doncaster and Bassetlaw which have a higher risk of having referable Diabetic Retinopathy.

The graduates join cohort 1 and 2 in the South Yorkshire Behavioural Science Community of Practice bringing together individuals to foster knowledge, learning, and the sharing of experiences and expertise. It  provides a space for collaboration driven by their commitment and passion to use behavioural science principles “TO REDUCE HARM, ADDRESS INEQUALITIES AND SAVE LIVES”.