Kailo embodies the latest advances in prevention science
Developed by leading experts in the field and committed to measurable impact.
Our structured yet flexible approach is supported by a continuous program of research, development, and rigorous evaluation, resulting in an effective approach that’s grounded in evidence and practical in its implementation.
Why focus on young people’s mental health and wellbeing?
Positive mental health is a fundamental building block for young people to live happy, fulfilling lives whilst making positive contributions to society. However, rates of poor mental health are on the rise across the UK, with 62.5% of mental illnesses emerging by the age of 25 (Solmi et al., 2021).
This underscores the critical need for early intervention. When left unsupported, poor mental health has lasting consequences for individuals, often requiring support from health and social care systems.
Current support systems are overwhelmed and frequently unable to meet the increasing demand for assistance compacting existing issues further.
Understanding the foundations
The social determinants of health are the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work and age. They can be described as building blocks of health. We know they have a larger influence on our physical and mental wellbeing than access to high quality healthcare alone.
These building blocks are shaped by our local contexts, and are unique from place to place. Kailo draws from existing evidence, uncovering the local conditions that matter most to young people – and how they interact as a foundation for mental health.
The power of Co-design
Building strong foundations for young people’s mental health demands the experience, insight and contributions from a diverse range of people.
Young people know what matters to them, by working with them we can ensure that strategies created are both meaningful and relevant. Community professionals bring focus and knowledge of the social determinants and wider levers for change and understanding of existing activities. System leaders can exercise power and resource to make changes a reality. Kailo draws on best-practice co-design approaches, addressing power imbalance and building trust. When these essential voices unite, they create policies that are not only necessary and equitable, but also truly effective and sustainable. This is the power of co-design.
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See the whole picture, then transform it
Reshaping the entire context, not just individual parts, is key for lasting progress.
Kailo goes beyond quick fixes and temporary solutions by embracing a systems change approach. This methodology focuses on building enduring infrastructure, redefining processes to shift structures, and nurturing relationships and mindsets.
Evidence into action
The design and development of Kailo is continuously shaped by rigorous research and evaluation, ensuring a balanced approach that integrates practical application with academic precision.
Ongoing evaluation, led by UCL and Exeter University, examines how Kailo contributes to driving systemic change at a local level. Additionally, in collaboration with the Evidence-Based Practice Unit at the Anna Freud Centre, we ensure that existing evidence on effective interventions is accessible and actively informs action.
Kailo reports and papers
Kailo Framework Introduction (Version 1)
- This paper describes the first version of the Kailo Framework, which has been refined through learning from its implementation in Newham and Northern Devon, and evaluation of the initial programme.
- Dartington Service Design Lab – February 2022
Kailo Early Discovery in Northern Devon
- Explore the Early Discovery process adopted in Northern Devon and how yound people ended up prioritising three themes for the next phase of the Kailo Programme—mental health literacy, access to diverse careers and employment opportunities.
- Dartington Service Design Lab – November 2023
Kailo Participatory Group Model Building and Design Protocol
- This paper describes the approach of using system mapping approaches to inform the Deeper Discovery and Co-Design process.
- (Preprint)
Kailo developmental evaluation protocol
- This paper outlines our developmental evaluation plans to understand how and why the Kailo framework functions, detailing methods used to analyse its operation and inform future development of Kailo.
- Dartington Service Design Lab – September 2024
Kailo developmental evaluation findings
- Our comprehensive evaluation uncovers key success factors for place-based approaches to community wellbeing through interviews, focus groups, observations, and document reviews.
- (Forthcoming)
Kailo rapid realist review of place-based approaches
- Research examining place-based interventions for youth mental health revealed key success factors: relationship building, addressing social determinants, and empowering community stakeholders through education and collaboration.
- (Forthcoming)
Kailo Scoping Review: rural community-based interventions
- This research compiled evidence on community-focused initiatives aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in rural and remote areas.
- (Forthcoming)
Making the most of motivations: Why young people attend YPAGs
- This guide is a collection of advice from the two YPAGs about what motivated them to attend the sessions. It is designed to help other researchers in the future to advertise YPAGs in the right way and offer advice about how they can make sessions meaningful and motivating for young people from all different backgrounds.
- Kailo Evaluation YPAG
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