The concept of People Zones has been developed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. The vision is to grow safer communities by building on strengths, creating connections and empowering everyone to play a role.
Three People Zones have initially been set-up: Bell Foundry; New Parks, and Thringstone & Whitwick in Leicestershire. The aim is to bring local people, organisations and agencies together, to make a positive difference to these areas. An asset based community development approach will guide the People Zone project. It will recognise all the valuable input from local people and organisations who already work hard to improve the wellbeing of the community. Therefore, the first stage is to understand the strengths and unique identity of each neighbourhood by identifying the local assets, connections and ambitions of the people living and working within the Zone. These will provide the solid foundations upon which to build a safer and more resilient community for all.
Our role
To ensure the support and future investment is directed where it will have the most sustainable impact, Mapping for Change has been commissioned to carry out research in the area. Following the asset based community development approach we will engage with the local community to reveal and map the local assets, including those which are less visible, and discover the ideas, ambitions and concerns of local residents. We will achieve this in an inclusive way as possible by using a variety of engagement methods, including online and paper surveys, one-to-one interviews, liaison with community leaders and representatives and interactive workshops with residents.
A Steering Group comprising community representatives will be formed to take the People Zones project forward; continue the communication with local residents and listen to any opportunities and challenges that arise in future.
The findings of our research will be compiled and reported back to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and an online interactive asset map will be made available for the public to access.
For more information about this project or to get involved, please email info@mappingforchange.org.uk.
Related Projects
Active CiTizenship and Social Housing (ACtS)
As part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme, Mapping for Change were chosen to represent the UK in a learning exchange project with the University of Udine (Italy) and the University of Oulu (Finland).
Evaluating People Zones Leicestershire
Through engaging residents in an Asset-Based Community Development Approach, our research for People Zones Leicestershire generated lasting resources which helped identify opportunities for hyper localised community initiatives. Now, we’re returning to evaluate the program’s impact, aiming to provide concrete evidence of its effectiveness in reducing crime and promoting community well-being.