Step Change: Working Together Towards and Active Society

A synthesis of Spirit of 2012’s evidence on increasing physical activity with 8 core principles to follow….

May 2022

Inspiring a Generation

A synthesis of Spirit of 2012’s evidence on why and how you can use events to provide high quality youth social action opportunities….

Aug 2024

Inspiring A Generation: Executive Summary

A summary of our thematic report into youth social action and volunteering at and inspired by events….

Mar 2025

Music and Wellbeing – Insights from Grant funding

A synthesis of lessons from Spirit of 2012’s grant funding to music-making projects explaining how they can best be delivered to increase wellbeing….

Feb 2024

Making Events Work For Everyone

A synthesis of Spirit of 2012’s evidence on disability inclusion and events….

Dec 2023

Inquiry Report 1: How events can boost volunteering – executive summary

Executive summary of the launch report to Spirit of 2012’s independent inquiry into major events focusing on volunteering impacts….

Nov 2021

Inquiry – Report 1: How events can boost volunteering

The launch report to Spirit of 2012’s independent inquiry into major events focusing on volunteering impacts….

Nov 2021

The economic impact of sporting, cultural, commemorative and community events

Aug 2022

Seizing the moment: Why events matter for social connection and shared identity

A British Future summary of the evidence related to the social cohesion potential of events produced as part of the Power of Events Inquiry…

Sep 2022

Power of Events Inquiry – Final report

This report presents the results of a major national inquiry into how events can help build connected, happy, and thriving communities…

Jan 2023

Power of Events Inquiry – executive summary

This report provides the executive summary of a major national inquiry into how events can help build connected, happy, and thriving communities…

Jan 2023

Spirit of 2012 Detailed Theory of Change

A poster showing Spirit of 2012’s original theory of change with the detailed outcomes pathways mapped out when designing its funding programmes….

Mar 2016

The Wellbeing Impacts of Liverpool’s Eurovision 2023

This report explores the social impact of Liverpool hosting Eurovision 2023, highlighting how the event fostered community pride, increased social connections, and enhanced well-being for residents and visitors, with insights…

Oct 2023

Sporting Equality Fund Evaluation

This evaluation summarises the impact of the Scottish Government’s Sporting Equality Fund, 14 projects aimed at removing barriers for girls and women to take part in physical activity….

Mar 2019

Investing in happiness: Creating impact through funding event legacies

Oct 2017

Carers Music Fund – a summary

A Spirit of 2012 authored executive summary of the impacts of the Carers Music Fund, ten projects designed to support the wellbeing of unpaid female carers through music-making….

Jun 2023

Our Impact: Ten Years of Investing In Happiness

Published on Spirit’s tenth birthday, this report summarises the impact of our grant funding….

Nov 2023

Carers Music Fund – Final Evaluation

Apteligen’s independent evaluation of the Carers Music Fund, a programme of ten music making projects for unpaid carers, funded by the DCMS Tampon Tax….

Jun 2021

When we sing it sounds like there are more of us: Findings from the first cohort of the Carers Music Fund

The What Works Centre for Wellbeing’s insights on the first cohort of the Carers Music Fund, a programme of ten music making projects for unpaid carers, funded by the DCMS…

Nov 2020

Capital of Sport – technical report

This report by Loughborough University and Counsel explores the feasibility of a UK Capital of Sport initiative, assessing models for a national event that could boost health, wellbeing, and community…

Jul 2024

Capital of Sport Policy Briefing

This policy briefing explores the feasibility of a UK Capital of Sport initiative, assessing models for a national event that could boost health, wellbeing, and community engagement through sport, with…

Oct 2024

Improving Social Connectedness: Lessons learnt from social sector organisations funded by Spirit of 2012

Feb 2023

Changing perceptions of disability through sports, arts, and culture

A report by Renaisi as part of their three year learning partnership to understand Spirit’s learning on disability inclusion…

Sep 2022

Understanding, supporting, and measuring wellbeing

A report by Renaisi as part of their three year learning partnership to understand Spirit’s learning on wellbeing….

Dec 2022

InFocus Evaluation 2013-2017

Spirit’s first independent evaluation report by InFocus, covering the first three years of our grant funding….

Oct 2017

Spirit’s Reflection on InFocus Evaluation

A summary report from Spirit on our achievements in our first three years….

Oct 2017

The Spirit of 2012 Funding Approach

Oct 2017

Case Study of WOW Bradford by InFocus

This case study explores the impact of three Women of the World festivals in Bradford, including a map of the many connections sparked by the event….

Dec 2017

Case Study of Get Out Get Active by InFocus

This case study examines the early implementation of Activity Alliance’s Get Out Get Active (GOGA) programme in one location (Manchester), highlighting its inclusive approach to physical activity for disabled and…

Oct 2017

14-NOW Final Evaluation

This evaluation report explores the impact of 14-NOW, a three year follow up to the Fourteen project in Northern Ireland, exploring how community resident groups in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Limavady…

Apr 2022

Case Study of Springboard’s Fourteen programme by InFocus

Oct 2017

Case Study of Spirit of Rugby by InFocus

This case study explores the Spirit of Rugby project by the Rugby Football Union, which used the inspiration of the 2015 Rugby World Cup to engage 16-24 year olds in…

Sep 2016

Case Study of Inspired Action by InFocus

Sep 2016

A case study of Unlimited by InFocus

Oct 2015

Infocus ASDA case study

This case study examines how the Asda Active Sports Leaders Programme expanded sports leadership training, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to empower young people, promote volunteering, and challenge perceptions of disability…

Oct 2015

A case study of StreetGames’ Glasgow 2014 by InFocus

This case study examines how StreetGames’ youth engagement programme for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, including Camp Glasgow and Pop-Up Clubs, engaged disadvantaged young people in sport, empowered volunteers, and…

Oct 2015

A case study of Sporting Memories by Infocus

This case study explores how Sporting Memories Foundation uses sports reminiscence and intergenerational activities to improve the wellbeing of older people, particularly those with dementia, while empowering young people through…

Oct 2015

Moment to Movement InFocus report

How can community events best spark longer lasting change? Infocus worked with the Jo Cox Foundation, WOW Foundation and Springboard to explore the common ingredients and barriers to success….

Oct 2020

Evaluation of the Thrive Toolkit

This report reviews how users were accessing the early versions of the online Thrive Toolkit, designed for physical activity practitioners. It could be used by others creating digital resources for…

Mar 2019

Helping grantees reach their target audiences – reflections on Spirit of 2012’s approach

A reflective research report by InFocus on how Spirit of 2012’s grantees chose the ‘target groups’ for their activities, and what impact that might have on their outcomes….

Mar 2019

Helping grantees reach their target audiences – a guide for grant managers

A step by step guide produced by InFocus for grant managers to support their grant holders to reflect on how they decide who their projects could most benefit and why….

Mar 2019

The Impacts of Volunteering on the Subjective Wellbeing of Volunteers: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of how volunteering positively impacts the subjective wellbeing of volunteers, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policy makers, and funders to enhance volunteer programs and…

Oct 2020

Social Value of Community Events – Final Summary Report

This process report describes how the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at the University of the West of Scotland put together the resources for community event organisers as part…

Dec 2021

Social Value of Community Events- Literature Review

This literature review from the University of Westminster and University of the West of Scotland simply summarises the evidence for the social impact of events, finding 6 main areas for…

Mar 2021

Social Value of Community Events Toolkit

This easy to use guide can support community event organisers to think through how to understand and measure their social impact….

Dec 2021

Social Value of Community Events – editable template

This simple template can be used by community event organisers to plan their evaluation….

Dec 2021

A Model for Community and Individual Wellbeing

As part of Different People, Same Place the team mapped mechanisms that link community and individual wellbeing, and inequalities, together. The result is the Model of Individual and Community Wellbeing….

Mar 2022

Different people, same place: Better understanding the relationships between individual and place-based (technical report) community wellbeing

Investigating the relationships between individual and place-based community wellbeing through Understanding Society and qualitative interviews. Research by Laura Kudrna, Oyinlola Oyebode, Laura Quinn, Sarah Atkinson and Sarah Stewart-Brown in partnership…

Mar 2022

Different people, same place: Better understanding the relationships between individual and place-based community wellbeing (briefing)

Investigating the relationships between individual and place-based community wellbeing through Understanding Society and qualitative interviews. Research by Laura Kudrna, Oyinlola Oyebode, Laura Quinn, Sarah Atkinson and Sarah Stewart-Brown in partnership…

Mar 2022

Creating The Golden Thread: An ambition for major events in the UK

This report by Warwick Business School proposes how we can strengthen the UK events ecosystem to make sure events are more than the sum of their parts….

Jun 2024

Aggregating Events Data

This report examines how data from major cultural and sporting events can be aggregated, using examples from UNBOXED, Birmingham 2022 Festival, and Coventry City of Culture 2021 to highlight the…

Jan 2024

Events Data Observatory – A feasibility study

This report by FRY Creative sets out a clear case for a UK Events Data Observatory to improve knowledge transfer and impact analysis for major events….

Jun 2024

Volunteering Cities Insights: Conditions for Success

Research by Neighbourly Lab exploring how City of Culture bidding cities build on the momentum of their bid and improve volunteering infrastructure, regardless of whether they secure the designation….

Jun 2023

The Power of Events for Social Connection

Belong’s review of the Spirit of 2012 archive exploring the role events can play in increasing social capital in communities….

Sep 2024

Creative Pathways to Wellbeing – Case Study Synthesis

This report from the What Works Centre to Wellbeing uses case study synthesis – an approach that could be widely used across the third sector to provide compelling insights into…

Apr 2024

Do It For Real: impact and learning report

Discover how Comic Relief’s Do It For Real programme empowered over 3,000 young social entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful ventures…

Sep 2018

England Athletics’ Team Spirit evaluation report

This report explores the impact of the Team Spirit programme on volunteering in athletics, highlighting key insights, case studies, and lessons learned to improve engagement, diversity, and volunteer experiences…

Jan 2020

EmpowHER Legacy Report

A summary version of the evaluation of a three-year follow up project to a highly successful youth social action project, exploring if and how the model could be scaled….

Sep 2023

EmpowHER Legacy – report

A summary version of the evaluation of a three-year follow up project to a highly successful youth social action project, exploring if and how the model could be scaled….

Sep 2023

EmpowHER Final Evaluation report

An evaluation of EmpowHER, a three year social action programme for girls and young women inspired by the centenary of Women’s Suffrage….

Feb 2022

EmpowHER Leaders of the Future

The research answers two questions: What is the strategic benefit of providing youth social action for the youth organisation? And What is the journey of participants following their engagement with…

Feb 2022

EmpowHER – Learnings for policy

A briefing for policy makers based on findings from UK Youth’s social action project for girls and young women….

Feb 2022

EmpowHER – Learnings for funders

A briefing for funders based on findings from UK Youth’s social action project for girls and young women….

Feb 2022

EmpowHER – Learnings for youth sector

A briefing for the youth sector based on findings from UK Youth’s social action project for girls and young women….

Feb 2022

EmpowHER – core and flex model

A one-page summary of UK Youth’s EmpowHER model, showing how the project design included core elements that research showed helped to drive impact, with flexibility for local delivery….

Feb 2022

British Future – Shared Goals

This report examines how football clubs can foster social connections across diverse communities, using case studies from Brentford FC and Huddersfield Town AFC….

May 2024

Cultural Transformations – the Impact of Hull 2017 City of Culture

The interim evaluation report from Hull 2017 outlines the initial impact of the year long cultural festival….

Mar 2018

Square Peg (Hull 2017 City of Culture) Evaluation

This evaluation examines how the Square Peg programme, delivered by Artlink as part of the Hull 2017 UK City of Culture, supported disabled and diverse artists and audiences, highlighting lessons…

Jun 2018

Hull Volunteering – report

This in-depth evaluation of Hull 2017’s Volunteering programme during its City of Culture year celebrates the impact of the programme whilst providing key insights for future event volunteering programmes….

Nov 2019

Creative Pathways to Wellbeing – Case Study Synthesis Briefing

This briefing from the What Works Centre to Wellbeing summarises the impact of Spirit of 2012’s grant funding on wellbeing using case study synthesis – an approach that could be…

Apr 2024

Breaking Boundaries: Final Evaluation Report

This report shows how Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ Breaking Boundaries used youth social action and the Cricket 2017 and 19 World Cups to bring diverse communities together and…

May 2023

Breaking Boundaries: Final Evaluation – Exec Sum

This executive summary shows how Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ Breaking Boundaries used youth social action and the Cricket 2017 and 19 World Cups to bring diverse communities together…

May 2023

Critical Mass Evaluation

An evaluation of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games inclusive dance project, highlighting its success in fostering genuine inclusion, improving participants’ wellbeing, and creating lasting social connections through a mass cast….

Jan 2023

Critical Mass Playbook for Inclusive Events

A step by step guide produced by Fabric and the Birmingham 2022 Cultural Programme on how to create more inclusive major events, based on learnings from the Critical Mass programme….

Jan 2023

Critical Mass Evaluation (Easy Read)

An Easy Read version of the Critical Mass inclusive dance project as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Cultural Festival…

Feb 2023

Team London Young Ambassadors Evaluation

This report explores the impact of the GLA’s schools-based social action programme for young people, which began during London 2012….

Nov 2016

Carers UK – Reflections on the Carers Music Fund

A two page summary from Carers UK on the role of music making for improving the lives of carers…

Jun 2023

Volunteer Wellbeing: What Works and Who Benefits?

An 8 page briefing from the What Works Centre for Wellbeing summarising the results of a rapid evidence review on the link between volunteering and subjective wellbeing…

Oct 2020

Volunteers and Wellbeing: A Theory of Change

A model for how volunteering can lead to increased wellbeing….

Oct 2020

Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity – Executive Summary

The executive summary of the final evaluation of the Changing Lives Fund, a partnership between Spirit of 2012, The Robertson Trust, Sport Scotland the Scottish Government to support sports and…

Aug 2022

Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity – Final Evaluation Report

An evaluation of the Changing Lives Fund, a partnership between Spirit of 2012, The Robertson Trust, Sport Scotland the Scottish Government to support sports and non-sports organisations to partner up…

Aug 2022

Fourteen – Final Evaluation

An evaluation by Wavehill of a three year UK wide project led by UKCF and Springboard, putting residents groups in the lead of creating fun, participatory activity for their wider…

Sep 2018

Inspire 2022 Final Evaluation

This evaluation report of UK Youth’s Inspire 2022 explores the impact of events-based social action on young people and their wider community….

Mar 2024

Get Out Get Active Summary of Phase 2

This summary report highlights key achievements of the second phase of GOGA, a UK-wide inclusive physical activity programme led by Activity Alliance….

Jul 2024

Understanding your organisation’s volunteer journey

A poster from Activity Alliance showing stages of the volunteer journey based on learning from Get Out Get Active…

Feb 2025

Get Out Get Active – Evaluation of Phase 2

This evaluation by Wavehill shows how Activity Alliance’s GOGA brought disabled and non-disabled people together to increase their physical activity, with a high social return on investment….

Jul 2024

Get Out Get Active – Evaluation of Phase 1

This full evaluation report from Wavehill shows how the first phase of Activity Alliance’s GOGA brought disabled and non-disabled people together to increase their physical activity….

Mar 2020

Get Out Get Active – Summary of Phase 1

This evaluation report slide deck shows how the first phase of Activity Alliance’s GOGA brought disabled and non-disabled people together to increase their physical activity….

Mar 2020

Camp Glasgow and the Pop Up Games

Nov 2014

Coventry 2021 Caring City Evaluation

This evaluation by Warwick and Coventry Universities describes the impact of Caring City, one of the major programme strands of Coventry 2021 UK City of Culture….

Mar 2023

Why Windrush Matters Today

Public opinion research by British Future exploring how the anniversary of Windrush can be used to create impactful events in communities across the UK….

May 2023

Celebrating Windrush: A Toolkit for Event Organisers

Practical guidance by British Future for event organisers on how to design and deliver inclusive events to mark the anniversary of Windrush….

May 2023

Festivals Connect: An Evidence Review

This literature review from the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at the University of the West of Scotland summarises the evidence on the ways events and festivals can support…

Jun 2024

Festivals Connect: EDI Playbook

This guide produced by the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events and the University of the West of Scotland, based on research with Glasgow events such as the Mela and…

Dec 2024

Moments to Connect: The Year of the King evaluation report

This evaluation explores the impact of Jack Drum’s intergenerational festival to mark the Coronation of Charles III in Crook, County Durham….

May 2024

Moments to Connect: Windrush 75 Evaluation

This evaluation report explores the impact of the Maritime Museum and Caribbean Social Forum’s festival to mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush….

Mar 2024

Big Big Sing Evaluation Report

This report describes the impact of a UK-wide mass singing initiative connected to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games that reached over 800,000…

Mar 2015

National Paralympic Day Research Report

This report describes the impact of a UK-wide mass singing initiative connected to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games that reached over 800,000…

Aug 2015

Our Day Out: The Perspective of Carers

This research looks at the impact of Creative Arts East’s participatory project on the unpaid carers taking part….

Jan 2019

Our Day Out: Wellbeing Dosage Research

This research looks at the use of the Canterbury Wellbeing Scale to understand the wellbeing impact of creative activity on people with a dementia….

Jan 2019

Creating a Moment for Someone Else: Artist Reflections on Our Day Out

This research looks at the impact of Creative Arts East’s participatory project for people with a dementia and their carers, on the artists leading the work….

Jan 2019

Our Day Out Evaluation 2016 – 2022

This evaluation explores Creative Arts East’s arts and culture project for people living with a dementia and their carers….

Mar 2023

Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund Evaluation

This report covers the outcomes of the Scottish Government’s innovative physical activity programme from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games….

Jun 2017

Legacy 2014 Physical Activity Fund Executive Summary

This executive summary covers the outcomes of the Scottish Government’s innovative physical activity programme from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games….

Jun 2017

Leeds 2023 and Bradford 2025: Shared Cultural Futures

This report explores how we can improve knowledge transfer between events, exploring how ringfencing time and funding for collaboration supported knowledge transfer between two large-scale Years of Culture in Yorkshire….

Aug 2024

Making Routes Guide To Accessible Recruitment

Learning from Oasis Play on how to make recruitment for cultural festivals inclusive for disabled artists….

Feb 2018

Making Routes Festival

This evaluation by Oasis Play describes the outcomes of a three day inclusive family festival run in collaboration between South London Gallery, Battersea Arts Centre and Oasis Play….

Feb 2018

The Impact of Making Routes Festivals on Perceptions of Disability

Learning from Oasis Play on how their cultural festival contributed to improving perceptions of disability – a replicable model for gathering rich qualitative insights on topics that are hard to…

Feb 2018

Making Routes – Artist Residencies

This report by Oasis Play summarises the process, impact and challenges of artist residences at 3 South London locations in the months before a 3 day community festival….

Feb 2018

187 Festival in Picture Book

This illustrated picture book depicts the events of the Making Routes festival, a 3 day inclusive family event run by Oasis Play, the South London Gallery and Battersea Arts Centre….

Feb 2018

Making Routes Evaluation Methodologies

Oasis Play’s summary of the evaluation approach taken across the Making Routes community festival, packed with replicable ideas for inclusive evaluation….

Feb 2018

Making Routes – An Illustrated Introduction

This illustrated picture book introduces the Making Routes festival, a 3 day inclusive family event run by Oasis Play, the South London Gallery and Battersea Arts Centre….

Feb 2018

Glasgow 2014 polling briefing

This report presents findings from a national survey on the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, revealing strong public belief in its lasting benefits—including increased civic pride, improved sports…

May 2024

WOW Foundation Theory of Change

This image shows the WOW Foundation’s logic model, produced as part of an incubation grant from Spirit of 2012 as WOW established itself as an independent charity in 2019, after…

Mar 2025

Youth Advisory Panel – learning briefing

This report reflects on the six-year journey of Spirit of 2012’s Youth Advisory Panel, highlighting its impact on decision-making, youth development, and lessons for future youth engagement initiative…

Sep 2021

Everyone Can Write A Song: Reflections on the Carers Music Fund

The What Works Centre for Wellbeing explain what projects providing music making for carers can tell us about how to increase wellbeing (6 pages)…

Jun 2021

Capital of Sport – briefing paper

Counsel and Loughborough University’s policy paper on the implications of their scoping study for a new model of sporting event based on the UK City of Culture Competition….

May 2024

Capital of Sport – executive summary

Counsel and Loughborough University’s summary of their scoping study for a new model of sporting event based on the UK City of Culture Competition….

May 2024

Case Study of Hull 2017 City of Culture by InFocus

This case study, conducted midway through Hull’s UK City of Culture year, explores the impact of Spirit of 2012’s funding on community engagement, wellbeing, and volunteering, with a focus on…

Oct 2017

Case Study of Voluntary Arts by InFocus

This case study explores the impact of a £1m grant to Voluntary Arts for work to support Voluntary Arts Week, and strengthen their support for community arts organisations across the…

Sep 2016

Case Study of Inclusive Futures by InFocus

An evaluation by LKMco of YST’s project, supporting disabled and non-disabled young people to volunteer in sports settings, and become more connected to Olympic and Paralympic legacy….

Sep 2016

Moment to Movement e-learning module

This training course takes community event organisers through the steps they can take to make it more likely that their one-off events lead to longer term change….

Oct 2020

Do It For Real: Funny Business – Evaluation

Through the energy of Red Nose Day, ‘Do It For Real’ inspired thousands of young people to step up as community changemakers—boosting confidence, fostering connections, and proving that social action…

Jun 2016

Do it for Real: Sport Relief – Evaluation

This report evaluates the ‘Good Sports Wanted’ initiative, showing how Sport Relief 2016 inspired young people to lead community events, develop skills, and foster positive social change…

Jul 2016

Volunteering Spirit Wales – Evaluation Report

This evaluation of the Volunteering Spirit Wales project examines how event volunteering can be better managed, more inclusive, and more rewarding—offering key insights, practical tools, and lessons learned for organisations…

Aug 2017

The Inspired Action Toolkit

This case study details the Inspired Action project by the British Red Cross, which aims to inspire young people to volunteer, improve access to volunteering for young disabled and non-disabled…

Mar 2017

Volunteering Together: Inclusive Volunteering and Disabled People

Mixed methods research by Kim Donahue, Christine Goodall, Véronique Jochum and Daiga Kamerāde using Understanding Society data and qualitative interviews to understand how to make volunteering more inclusive for disabled…

Sep 2022

Unlimited Impact: Colourfull

Jan 2019

Moment to Movement: The Great Get Togethers (summary)

This summary report from Jo Cox Foundation describes the impact of their Great Get Togthers and Great Winter Get Togethers hosted between 2020 and 2023….

Dec 2023

Moment to Movement: The Great Get Togethers (full)

This summary report from Jo Cox Foundation describes the impact of their Great Get Togthers and Great Winter Get Togethers hosted between 2020 and 2023….

Dec 2023

The Great Winter Get Together Impact Report 2023

This impact report from the Jo Cox Foundation describes the achievements of the Great Winter Get Togethers….

May 2023

The Great Get Togethers Digital Storytelling Toolkit

This communications toolkit based on the Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Get Togethers gives community event organisers ideas to tell the story across social platforms….

Apr 2020

Reimagining Volunteering – Toolkit

Toolkit by Neighbourly Lab applying lessons from their research about what motivates people informal ‘helping out’ behaviours rather than volunteering….

Jul 2023

Reimagining Volunteering – Research Report

Neighbourly Lab research based on the Coronation exploring what motivates people to ‘help out’ in their communities, and how we can increase the number of people who do….

Jul 2023

Helping Funders To Measure What Matters

Research and guidance showing the benefits of using wellbeing cost effectiveness to measure the wellbeing impact of three Spirit of 2012 grants….

May 2024

A Lasting Impact? Tracing The Volunteer Legacy of UK Events

Research from DHA exploring different models of leaving a long term impact from event volunteering programmes including 3 Commonwealth Games, UK Cities of Culture and London 2012….

Jun 2025

Creating a Legacy for Event Volunteer Programmes

Top takeaways for event organisers and volunteer managers based on DHA’s research into event volunteering…

Jun 2025

Reflections on the Volunteering Cities Grant

The final report from Neighbourly Lab’s evaluation of Spirit’s Volunteering Cities Fund, exploring how cultural volunteering programmes can improve place based volunteering infrastructure…

Jun 2025

Establishing Strong Volunteer Programmes In Your Area

Top takeaways for place-based volunteer managers based on Neighbourly Lab’s research into the Volunteering Cities Fund….

Jun 2025

Making Routes Festival Film – Beacon Arts

Documented by Beacon Films, this film documents the Making Routes Festival – a celebration of visual arts, theatre and play co-created by disabled and non-disabled children, young people and artists…

Oct 2017

PBE – Checklist for wellbeing value for money analysis

Part of the PBE report “Helping funders measure what happens”, a checklist for anyone who wants to assess the wellbeing value for money of investments….

May 2024

Spirit of Rugby Final Evaluation Report

This report presents findings from the monitoring and evaluation of the Spirit of Rugby programme over a two year period between 2015 and 2017….

Oct 2017

Volunteering at Events in the West Midlands

A report by FRY Creative, commissioned by the Birmingham 2022 Legacy Team, exploring volunteering at events in the West Midlands….

Jun 2023

Moments That Make Us Proud – microsite

A research report by Public First and Spirit of 2012 which examines the relationship between major events and national pride…

Apr 2025

Moments That Make You Proud

A research report by Public First and Spirit of 2012 which examines the relationship between major events and national pride…

Jul 2025

Carers Music Fund: ‘Sound Out’ Evaluation – Jack Drum Arts

This independent evaluation by Gwyneth Lamb, shares the impact of a music-making project for female carers in Cook Country Durham, identifying features of best practice….

May 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Sound Creators’ Evaluation – UK Youth

This evaluation shares the impact of a music-making project for young carers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic….

Apr 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Sound Out’ Project Summary – Jack Drum Arts

This independent evaluation by Gwyneth Lamb, shares the impact of a music-making project for female carers in Cook Country Durham, identifying features of best practice….

May 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Monster Extraction’ Case Study Interviews – My Pockets

These interviews by independent researcher Glynis Charlton bring to life the power of My Pockets’ project for female carers of family members with a dementia….

Apr 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Hidden Voices’ Project Evaluation

This evaluation shares the impact of a music-making project for carers based at Midland Arts Centre in partnership with Midland Mencap and Quench Arts. It includes a link to a…

Jun 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘My Music’ Evaluation Northamptonshire Carers

This process and impact evaluation is packed with reflections about Northamptonshire Carers and Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust project with female carers, including the impact of COVID-19….

Jun 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Project Alaw’ Evaluation – Barnardos

This evaluation report shares the impact of ‘Project Alaw’ (melody), a music making project for carers aged 8 – 18, delivered by Barnardo’s and Community Music Wales….

Mar 2021

Carers Music Fund: Women’s Work Evaluation – Oh Yeah Music Centre

Noise Solution pairs marginalised people with professional musicians. This impact report by TSIC explores their partnership with Suffolk Young Carers as part of the Carers Music Fund….

Oct 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Tàlaidhean’ Evaluation – Feis Rois

This evaluation report shares the impact of a project working with new mums across the Highlands to create their own lullabies for their babies.

Jun 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Bang the Drum’ Evaluation – Blackpool Carers

This evaluation report by Totem Solutions describes the impact of Blackpool Carers introducing a music offer as part of its support to female carers….

Nov 2021

Carers Music Fund: ‘Beat Syndicate’ Evaluation – Noise Solution

Noise Solution pairs marginalised people with professional musicians. This impact report by TSIC explores their partnership with Suffolk Young Carers as part of the Carers Music Fund….

Mar 2021

Working Together: A research partnership project led by More Music and the International Centre of Community Music

This research explores how partner-practitioners across music, health, and wellbeing sectors work together and communicate value in a social prescribing project—revealing how collaboration, rather than just outcomes, drives impact in…

Dec 2021

More Music – Sing It Out – Parent Case Study

This case study shares what a parent thinks her daughter gained from attending Sing It Out sessions, run by More Music in Morecambe….

Jan 2023

Music Challenge Fund: ‘Creative Directions’ Evaluation – Doncaster Community Arts

This evaluation report shows how Darts used folk music to work with men and women experiencing loneliness and poor mental health….

Nov 2022

Music Challenge Fund: ‘My Pockets Music’ Evaluation

This interim report sees external evaluator Glynis Charlton embed herself in My Pockets music sessions in order to identify the ingredients that help make the sessions so distinctive….

Jun 2020

Music Challenge Fund: ‘My Pockets’ end of project report

This vibrant final project report brings to life the impact of My Pockets’ songwriting and music making project for young people….

Oct 2022

Music Challenge Fund: ‘Discover the Song’ Evaluation – Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias

This evaluation report shows how an inclusive music project brought disabled and non-disabled people together through a fantastic partnership between an Arts Centre and the Gwynedd County Council Social Services’…

Oct 2022

Streetwise Community Circus End of Project Report

This internal evaluation report describes the outcomes and achievements of a circus skills project, working with disabled people and their families in Northern Ireland….

Feb 2019

Lessons from Streetwise’s Circus Aurora

This report distills lessons from Streetwise Community Circus circus skills project for disabled people, working in Northern Ireland….

Feb 2019

Path to Paris: Home Nations impact report

Evaluation report for Path To Paris – British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme for the Paris 2024 Games…

Aug 2025

Road to Rio: final report

Evaluation report for Road To Rio – British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme for the Rio 2016 Games…

Jan 2017

Travel to Tokyo: final report

Evaluation report for Travel To Tokyo – British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme for the Tokyo 2020 Games…

Jan 2021

Bound for Beijing: final report

Evaluation report for Bound For Beijing – British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme for the Beijing 2022 Winter Games…

Aug 2022

Get Set – Blueprint for effective youth engagement

A practical guide to driving meaningful youth engagement through sport, culture, and commemorative moments, born from the Get Set projects…

Aug 2025

Get Set – Framework for working with partners

A framework emphasising the importance of establishing a range of strong partnerships for education programmes linked to major events like Get Set and offers guidance on how to effectively leverage…

Aug 2025

Get Set – visual summary for framework for working with partners

A shorter summary of a Get Sets partnership framework…

Aug 2025

Get Set – visual summary for effective youth engagement

A shorter summary of Get Set’s youth engagement guide…

Aug 2025

Lessons from GOGA

Key takeaways from Spirit’s flagship physical activity project…

Sep 2025

Volunteering Cities: Amdani! Conwy

Oct 2025

The Ripple Effect – Final Report

Oct 2025

Connecting the golden thread: Unlocking the UK’s ambition for major events

New report from Warwick Business School building on Creating The Golden Thread’s ambition for major events in the UK…

Oct 2025

Crafting Events That Matter: Spirit’s Final Report

The final publication from Spirit of 2012, combining over a decade of learnings to inspire the next generation to harness the power of events….

Oct 2025

Step Change – short report

Mar 2025

Music and Wellbeing – Insights from Grant Funding (short version)

Short version of the synthesis of lessons from Spirit of 2012’s grant funding to music-making projects…

Feb 2024

Written Evidence: The Social Impact of Sport and Culture

Spirit of 2012’s response to the DCMS Select Committee’s 2018-19 inquiry into the social impact of sports and culture…

Nov 2018

My Sport My Voice – evaluation report

An evaluation of a project led by UKSA to support athletes with learning disabilities to raise their profile and develop their skills….

Jun 2016

One Million Mentors Process Evaluation: Headline Findings

This document presents headline findings from a one-year process evaluation of the One Million Mentors (1MM) programme, showing positive impacts on both mentors and mentees—including increased confidence, employability skills, and…

Nov 2019

Volunteer Run Museums – Dorset Research Guide

This report explored how to increase the number of disabled people volunteering in Dorset museums….

Apr 2023

Volunteer Run Museums Dorset – insights and lessons learned

This evaluations summarises lessons from a project to increase the number of disabled people volunteering in Dorset museums….

Apr 2023

Volunteer Run Museums – role description guide

An example role description based on Dorset Museum’s learning from their project to increase disability inclusion…

Apr 2023

Whitley Bay Big Local: Bay Create Evaluation

Evaluation of an intergenerational arts funded through Spirit of 2012 Youth Advisory Panel….

May 2023

Youth Sport Trust’s Inclusive Futures

An evaluation by LKMco of YST’s project, supporting disabled and non-disabled young people to volunteer in sports settings, and become more connected to Olympic and Paralympic legacy….

Dec 2015

Singing For Health Summary – More Music Morecombe

A brief summary of this music making project, with strands for both older people and teenagers as part of the Music Challenge Fund….

Aug 2020

Hull Volunteering Report 3

A impact report on the overall journey of the Hull volunteer programme since its development for Hull 2017, to its continuation beyond Spirit funding….

Dec 2024

Hull Volunteering Report 2

A report on insights around the Hull Volunteer Programme journey towards a sustainable, post City of Culture future…

Apr 2021

Introduction to Hull City of Culture/Beyond 2017

A video showcasing the accomplishments and impact of the Hull 2017 volunteering programme…

Oct 2017

Playing Out in Canley Final Report

A final project report on Playing Out in Canley, a programme of creative activity which took place in Canley, Coventry from 2021 to 2024…

Apr 2024

Playing Out in Canley Final Report – plain text

Apr 2024

Playing Out in Canley publication

Apr 2024

Playing Out in Canely – The Canley Projects

A series of proposals building on conversations facilitated by Playing Out in Canley, produced by Assemble and the Playing Out team….

Apr 2024

Playing Out – Canley Parade 2022

A video capturing the spirit of the Canley Parade with local residents in 2022….

Jun 2022

Access Sport’s Flyerz Hockey Final Evaluation

This evaluation by Loughborough University explores the impact of Access Sport’s work with England Hockey to create inclusive hockey provision for disabled and non-disabled families to play together in local…

Jun 2021

City To Sea – The Wave Project – Final Evaluation

This report describes the impact of a surf therapy sessions for young people from South London….

May 2022

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Casting On Report

This evaluation summarises the impact of project to support volunteers from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games into longer term volunteering….

Jul 2015

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Volunteer Support Pot – Evaluation Report

This evaluation explores the impact of small grants to remove financial barriers to volunteering in the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony….

Nov 2014

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Volunteer Support Pot – Summary Evaluation

This executive summary explores the impact of small grants to remove financial barriers to volunteering in the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony….

Nov 2014

Stopgap Dance’s Seafarers – Reflective Journal

This resource was produced to support the reflective practice of amateur dancers performing in Stopgap Dance’s production of Seafarers….

Sep 2017

Stopgap Dance’s Seafarers – Final Evaluation

This evaluation report reflects on the impact Seafarers had on skills development, disability inclusion, wellbeing and dance practice….

Dec 2019

The Mighty Creatives’ Emerge Final Evaluation

This evaluation explores the impact of youth-led arts festivals in 12 Midlands towns, inspired by the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death….

Jul 2019

Do It For Real 2015 Stage 1 Evaluation

Evaluation from Red Nose Day: Funny Business, the first stage of the Do It For Real 2015 project…

Jun 2015

The Sport Relief 2016 Youth Campaign Summary

A summary of the Sport Relief 2016 Youth Campaign by Lucinda Kerr…

May 2016

Do It For Real 2016 Stage 1 Evaluation

Evaluation of Sport Relief 2016: Good Sports Wanted, the first stage of Do It For Real 2016…

Jul 2016

Bay Create Activities Album January – June 2022

A summary of the different activities done by participants of Bay Create…

Jun 2022

UnLtd Do It For Real Evaluation

An evaluation of the Do It For Real project by UnLTD…

Sep 2018

One Million Mentors Process Evaluation

A process evaluation for One Million Mentors conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team…

Nov 2019

One Million Mentors Theory of Change

The theory of change which underpins Uprising’s One Million Mentors…

Nov 2019

The Story of Cultural Shift

A final project report showing how Stockton ARC, Little Cog and the disabled artists, participants and audiences they worked with changed perceptions about disability and created new opportunities for disabled…

Jul 2019

Elevate Fund 2025 – Winners & Impact

This film shows the impact of the Elevate Fund, showing the impact of LLDC’s Elevate Youth Panel project to think think about the 20 year legacy of the London 2012…

Apr 2025

Amdani! Conwy – final evaluation

Final evalution report for Amdani! Conwy – a volunteer programme made possible through Volunteering Cities…

Jul 2025

Medway Change Makers – final evaluation

Final evaluation report for the Medway Change Makers, a volunteer programme made possible through Volunteering Cities…

Jul 2025

Volunteering Cities – from bid writing to set up: year 1

Reflections from Neighbourly Lab on the first year of the Volunteering Cities grant…

Dec 2023

Coventry Urban Eden – Final Report

Final report on Coventry Urban Eden…

Jul 2025

Swim England – Good Club Guide: Engaging Disabled Volunteers

A guide for engaging volunteers in the aquatics community, courtesy of Swim England and their Spirit-funded project The Ripple Effect…

Oct 2025

London 2012 Legacy Partnership Project: Elevate Fund Final Report

A report on impact and learning from the Elevate Fund…

Nov 2025

Youth Cymru’s Creative Minds Toolkit

Lessons and advice from Youth Cymru’s social action project, supporting young people to raise awareness of mental health issues through creative activity. Funded via Spirit Youth Advisory Panel….

Nov 2020

Cultivating Radical Kindness

Qualitative research from Belong exploring how to create more acts of kindness across lines of difference, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic….

Aug 2021

Creating cohesion through the power of sport

Practice guidance from Belong as part of the development of their online toolkit, showing how sport can best be delivered to achieve social cohesion outcomes…

Aug 2020

Thank You Day: Community Connectors Pilot

Neighbourly Lab evaluation of the /together campaign’s Thank You Day, looking in detail at how core community leaders could be supported to engage more people in celebrating volunteers and community…

Aug 2021

Thank You Day: Impact Report

A summary report from /together of their campaign to celebrate community heros, which saw over 2 million people take part in community activities….

Aug 2021

Breaking Boundaries – City Summaries

Profiles of the 5 cities: Manchester, Birmingham, Barking & Dagenham, Slough and Bradford, which took part in Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ cricket project….

Feb 2023

Breaking Boundaries – Empowering Young Changemakers

Lessons from Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ Cricket World Cup legacy project, Breaking Boundaries….

May 2023

Breaking Boundaries – Galvanising local partners

Lessons from Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ Cricket World Cup legacy project, Breaking Boundaries….

May 2023

Breaking Boundaries: Sport as a tool for cohesion development

Lessons from Youth Sport Trust and Sporting Equals’ Cricket World Cup legacy project, Breaking Boundaries….

May 2023

Opportunities to Improve VCSE Involvement in Social Prescribing

NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary Action) explore opportunities to improve the ways VCSE organisations can engage with social prescribing in this report, joint funded between Spirit and the National…

Feb 2023

Diana Award – An Educator’s Guide to Anti-Racist Bullying Training

Practical resource produced by young people as part of a joint project with Diana Award, UK Youth and Centre for Mental Health….

May 2024

Diana Award – Anti-Racist Bullying Training Evaluation

Practical resource produced by young people as part of a joint project with Diana Award, UK Youth and Centre for Mental Health….

Aug 2024

Beacon Films Viewfinder Final Evaluation

Final report for Viewfinder, a programme supporting disabled filmmakers in the North East…

Jan 2019

Beacon Films Viewfinder Plus Final Evaluation

Final report for Viewfinder Plus, a continued programme supporting disabled filmmakers in the North East…

Jan 2022

National Paralympic Carnival Report

Research exploring audience and stakeholder reactions to the British Paralympic Association’s National Paralympic Carnivals of 2016….

Dec 2016

Sporting Memories Case Study

A study by InFocus of how Sporting Memories brought older and younger people together around the memories of sporting events….

Oct 2015

Beyond Words: Plymouth Music Zone

Plymouth University’s research into Plymouth Music Zone’s project with ”post-verbal’ children and young people, supported by Spirit’s Youth Advisory Panel. Research funded by Arts Council England….

Jun 2017

More Music Morecombe Evaluation

An evaluation of ‘Singing For Health’, a project with strands for both older people and teenagers as part of the Music Challenge Fund….

Aug 2020

WOW Learning & Impact Report

This evaluation report focuses on the learnings and outcomes from the grant and the impact of the expansion of the WOW festivals to towns and cities across the UK….

Jul 2019

An Introduction to WOW Spirit Festivals

An introduction to WOW Spirit festivals. Promotion video showcasing the activities funded by the grant….

Dec 2018

Spirit of Women: Changemakers Small Grants Evaluation

An evaluation of Fawcett Society’s small grant programme to activists, artists and educators, celebrating the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage….

Mar 2019

Spirit of 2012 Areas of Research Interest

A set of priority research questions, shaped by Spirit of 2012’s learning, to guide future research into social legacy from major events….

Jan 2026