Evaluation finds ‘Your Neighbourhood’ pilot project a success

Our evaluation of the Weston-Super-Mare based ‘Your Neighbourhood’ pilot has found that the project has been successful in encouraging local people to participate in activities to build a sense of community.

‘Your neighbourhood’ uses an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach to developing the local community. This approach is increasingly popular in the UK. It focuses on the strengths (or assets) in a community rather than the more traditional ‘deficits’ approach taken by organisations to identify needs. Assets can include physical spaces, institutions, community groups and associations as well as the skills of local residents.

We assessed whether the ‘Your Neighbourhood’ project is being delivered in accordance with the ABCD principles and whether ABCD is appropriate and acceptable in the local context. Perceptions and experiences of stakeholders, including local professionals and residents, were explored.

‘Your Neighbourhood’ is funded by North Somerset Council and local partners. They are enthusiastic about the project, keen to see it develop and hopeful it will support the health and wellbeing of local residents.

How does ‘Your Neighbourhood’ work?

During the first year of ‘Your Neighbourhood’, two ‘Community Builders’ worked with residents across Weston-super-Mare’s South ward to increase community participation and develop activities based on what local people want to do.

Your Neighbourhood was delivered by Curo from February 2015 to March 2016. A Residents Funding Panel oversaw the distribution of a Community Budget of £4,500. Three panel meetings were held and 27 applications were reviewed, with 22 initiatives receiving funding, ranging from £145 to £300.

What did we find?

Residents thought applying for funding was easy, even if they had never applied for any kind of funding before. The Community Builders also supported residents to develop their ideas and make useful links within the community.

‘Your Neighbourhood’ has helped residents to develop skills including leadership, technical and social skills, and many have become more confident in their own abilities. Residents have been supported to build on their own interests and passions to provide opportunities for community involvement.

Some residents now have a greater role in the community and many are proud of the local area and proud to be involved in ‘Your Neighbourhood’. Building skills, confidence, community involvement and pride in the local area can positively impact individual feelings of wellbeing. In the longer-term this is likely to support good physical health too.

As one resident, Eric said:

“…it brings out lifestyle abilities in people they didn’t know were there.”

What did ‘Your Neighbourhood’ achieve?

Examples of the project that ‘Your Neighbourhood’ funded included:

• ‘Shabby2Chic’ – a community enterprise which upcycles unwanted materials into unique gifts were helped to get off the ground
• Coniston Green Gardeners got new tools so more volunteers can get involved
• ‘Our Way Our Say’ received a portable cooker for healthy cooking demonstrations with young people
• Food and art materials were provided for a summer holiday activity session for local families
• Residents were funded to attend forest school
• Materials were bought to support a photography exhibition which showcased the skills of local individuals and highlighted positive aspects of life on South Ward. More exhibitions are planned and these are helping to challenge negative perceptions of the area which residents feel are outdated
• A resident received funding to help him set up a studio for an online community radio station. The radio station went live in March 2016 and local artists have featured in live performances
• A tea dance to celebrate diversity and bring the community together

Download the public summary report (PDF).

What next for ‘Your Neighbourhood’?

Beyond March 2016, Your Neighbourhood is jointly delivered by Alliance Homes and the For All Healthy Living Centre with a community budget of £4,500 available for 2016/17.