These protocols summarise plans for a full-scale randomised controlled trial of WeMatter, building on learnings from the pilot trial of the service. A full-scale trial aims to provide robust estimates of the impact the service has on outcomes for children and young people.
WeMatter is a digital, group-based support service, delivered by Victim Support, aimed at children and young people aged 8–17 years old who have been affected by domestic abuse but are not currently experiencing harm or living with the perpetrator. The service is based on the RockPool CYP Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit. WeMatter lasts 12 weeks in total, and includes an introductory 1:1 session, ten weekly online group sessions, and a final 1:1 session. The group sessions incorporate activities, games, and discussions that use simple cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) allowing to support each other. CYP can choose to join group sessions from school or home.
In 2025, we published findings from a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of WeMatter, conducted by Verian, which trialled methods that could inform the design of a full-scale impact evaluation. Promising findings from the pilot trial suggested that a full-scale randomised controlled trial would be feasible, with several key design changes. We have commissioned Verian to conduct the full-scale evaluation to generate robust estimates of the impact of WeMatter.
The full-scale evaluation will include an impact evaluation of the effects of WeMatter on children and young people’s mental wellbeing and feelings of being supported, an implementation and process evaluation to assess how and whether WeMatter works as intended, and a cost evaluation.
The impact evaluation will address the following research questions:
The implementation and process evaluation will addresss the following research questions:
The cost evaluation will provide an analysis of the costs of running the WeMatter service.
Rated 1: Set up and delivery is low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of less than £100.
Rated 2: Set up and delivery is medium-low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £100–£499.
Rated 3: Set up and delivery is medium cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £500–£999.
Rated 4: Set up and delivery is medium-high cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £1,000–£2,000.
Rating 5: Set up and delivery is high cost. Equivalent to an estimated unit cost of more than £2,000.
Set up and delivery cost is not applicable, not available, or has not been calculated.
Click here for more information.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.
Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing child maltreatment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Enhancing school achievement & employment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing crime, violence and antisocial behaviour: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing substance abuse: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing risky sexual behaviour & teen pregnancy: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Preventing obesity and promoting healthy physical development: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.
Rated 2: Has preliminary evidence of improving a child outcome from a quantitative impact study, but there is not yet evidence of causal impact.
Rated 2+: Meets the level 2 rating and the best available evidence is based on a study which is more rigorous than a level 2 standard but does not meet the level 3 standard.
Rated 3: Has evidence of a short-term positive impact from at least one rigorous study.
Rated 3+: Meets the level 3 rating and has evidence from other studies with a comparison group at level 2 or higher.
Rated 4: Has evidence of a long-term positive impact through at least two rigorous studies.
Rated 4+: Meets the level 4 rating and has at least a third study contributing to the Level 4 rating, with at least one of the studies conducted independently of the intervention provider.
Rating has a *: The evidence base includes mixed findings i.e., studies suggesting positive impact alongside studies, which on balance, indicate no effect or negative impact.
Click here for more information.