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Research & Evaluation
Evidence-based outcomes demonstrating the effectiveness of ARC Fitness programmes in supporting addiction recovery, family wellbeing, and community transformation across Northern Ireland.
INDEPENDENT EVALUATION
Comprehensive Programme Evaluation 2023-2025
Independent evaluation commissioned by National Lottery Community Fund examining ARC’s Addiction Recovery Coaching programme from January 2023 to June 2025. This rigorous mixed-methods study assessed 220 participants across standardised psychometric measures including PHQ-9, GAD-7, SURE, and SUSS instruments. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all clinical outcomes: depression scores decreased by 44% (p<.001, r=.91), anxiety reduced by 42% (p<.01, r=.90), and sleep quality improved by 42% (p<.01, r=.87).
Qualitative findings from focus groups highlighted four key themes: community development, physical exercise integration, relationship restoration, and organisational effectiveness. The evaluation documented over 10,000 community contacts since 2021, with 4,423 participants in workshops and training. Family support programme participants reported transformative impacts including restored hope, increased addiction literacy, improved family relationships, and enhanced mental wellbeing. Report validated ARC’s lived-experience model and evidence-based approach.
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PILOT STUDY
Evaluating the ARC Exercise Programme
Foundational pilot study published in Mental Health Practice (2021) examining the effectiveness of ARC’s innovative exercise-based intervention for addiction recovery. This pioneering research assessed six participants over a six-week programme, measuring outcomes across physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and recovery markers. Results demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ self-reported mood, exercise capacity, and recovery confidence. The study established the theoretical framework for ARC’s integrated approach combining physical training with peer support and psychoeducation. Findings highlighted the critical role of community connection and structured physical activity in early recovery stages. This research provided the evidence base that informed ARC’s subsequent programme development and attracted further academic partnerships with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. The study’s success led to expanded research collaboration and larger-scale evaluations.
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FULL EVALUATION
Comprehensive Programme Evaluation 2023
Independent evaluation conducted by Queen’s University Belfast examining the effectiveness of ARC Fitness programmes across multiple delivery sites in Northern Ireland. This comprehensive mixed-methods study assessed 61 participants using validated psychometric instruments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SURE, SUSS) alongside qualitative interviews and focus groups. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all measured outcomes: depression scores decreased by 38%, anxiety reduced by 35%, substance use recovery scores improved by 27%, and sleep quality enhanced by 31%. Qualitative findings revealed four core themes: development of supportive community, value of physical exercise in recovery, restoration of family and social relationships, and appreciation of organisational responsiveness. The study validated ARC’s peer-led, lived-experience model and highlighted the programme’s unique position in Northern Ireland’s addiction recovery landscape. Research confirmed ARC’s social value contribution exceeding £2 million over five years.
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PUBLISHED RESEARCH
Amplifying Marginalised Voices Through Advocacy
Peer-reviewed research published in The Clinical Teacher (2025) by Ulster University examining community-informed approaches to medical education. This collaborative study explored how lived experience expertise from organisations like ARC Fitness enhances healthcare professional training in addiction medicine and recovery-oriented care. The research documented ARC’s innovative partnership with Ulster University’s School of Medicine, where individuals with lived experience of addiction co-deliver teaching sessions to medical students. Findings demonstrated that direct engagement with recovery communities significantly improved students’ understanding of addiction as a health condition, reduced stigmatising attitudes, and enhanced clinical empathy. The study highlighted how community-academic partnerships can transform medical curricula by centering marginalised voices and challenging deficit-based narratives. This publication establishes ARC as a leader in recovery advocacy and demonstrates the programme’s impact beyond direct service delivery into systemic healthcare improvement and professional education reform.
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FAMILY PROGRAMME
Family Support Group Programme
Research evaluation presented by Queen’s University Belfast and Western Health & Social Care Trust examining outcomes for family members and significant others affected by a loved one’s addiction. This study assessed ARC’s specialist family support programme, which provides psychoeducation, peer support, and practical coping strategies for those living with the impact of substance use disorders. Participants reported significant improvements across multiple domains: restored hope for recovery, increased understanding of addiction as a health condition, enhanced family communication and relationships, improved personal mental wellbeing, and reduced feelings of isolation and shame. The research identified three critical themes: development of supportive peer community, transformation of family dynamics, and recognition of families’ own support needs. Findings highlighted the programme’s role in breaking intergenerational cycles of addiction and trauma. The evaluation contributed to ARC’s documented social value of over £2 million, demonstrating the programme’s impact extends beyond individuals in recovery to entire family systems.
VIEW RESEARCH POSTEROur Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice
These independent evaluations demonstrate ARC Fitness’s commitment to rigorous, evidence-based practice and continuous programme improvement. Our partnerships with Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and Western Health & Social Care Trust ensure our approaches remain grounded in research whilst centering the lived experiences of those we serve. We continue to contribute to the growing evidence base for exercise-based addiction recovery interventions and community-led models of care.