The Community Navigator Study: A feasibility randomised controlled trial of a programme to reduce loneliness for people with complex anxiety or depression

The Community Navigator programme was designed to reduce loneliness for people with complex depression or anxiety who were using secondary mental health services. Acceptability and feasibility of the programme and a trial evaluation were tested in a feasibility randomised controlled trial with qualitative evaluation. Forty participants with depression or anxiety using secondary mental health services were recruited from mental health services in two London sites and randomised to receive: the Community Navigator programme over six months in addition to routine care (n=30); or routine care (n=10). Measures of loneliness, depression, other clinical and social outcomes and service use were collected at baseline and six-months follow-up. Levels of engagement in the programme and rates of trial recruitment and retention were assessed. Programme delivery was assessed through session logs completed by Community Navigators. The acceptability of the programme was explored through qualitative interviews (n=32) with intervention group participants, their family and friends, programme providers and other involved staff.