Project Overview
In 2022, Mapping for Change (MfC) played a key role in supporting the establishment of three People Zones in Leicestershire—an initiative designed to reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour, and promote community development. Using an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, MfC engaged with local residents to identify community assets, reveal their ideas and concerns, and uncover gaps in services that needed addressing.
From this research, community maps were created for each PeopleZone, serving as a valuable resource to connect residents with local services. These findings were compiled into detailed reports that laid the groundwork for implementing community-driven initiatives. Now, Mapping for Change has been invited back to evaluate the program’s impact over the last 18 months, measuring its effectiveness and identifying areas for further development.
Our Role: Evaluating the Impact of PeopleZones
Building on the foundation of the initial research, Mapping for Change is now conducting an evaluation to assess the short- and medium-term impacts of the PeopleZones program. Working closely with residents, we aim to establish metrics for success, assess the program’s contribution to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and identify potential improvements. The evaluation will also provide evidence to guide future funding structures, ensuring that PeopleZones continues to deliver meaningful, lasting results.
Case Study: Bell Foundry PeopleZone
The Bell Foundry PeopleZone offers a powerful example of how insights from the research phase have directly influenced community-driven initiatives:\
- Light Audit for Street Safety: Following the initial consultations, residents of Bell Foundry took part in a Light Audit using the Sapelli app and the Community Maps platform provided by MfC. Residents documented street lighting issues and other safety concerns, which were subsequently validated and escalated to the appropriate authorities, resulting in improvements to street safety.
- Mental Health Friendly Faces Program: During the research phase, mental health emerged as a significant issue in Bell Foundry. In response to these findings, the Mental Health Friendly Faces program was developed to address this critical need. Using the community map to identify local businesses, including beauty salons and tattoo parlours, the program trained staff in these businesses to offer informal mental health support to clients. This pilot has been well-received and generated interest in expanding the program to other areas, further supporting mental health in the community.
These initiatives highlight how MfC’s research directly informed actionable programs that have had an immediate impact on community safety and wellbeing.
Measure Success
Establish clear metrics to assess how effectively the PeopleZones program has achieved its goals in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and improving community cohesion.
Identify Improvements
Highlight areas where the program can be refined or expanded, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of residents.
Guide Future Funding
Provide evidence-based recommendations to support future funding decisions and the ongoing development of PeopleZones.
Looking Ahead
As Mapping for Change continues its evaluation, our goal is to amplify the positive results already identified and ensure that the PeopleZones initiative remains a powerful driver of community development and safety across Leicestershire.