Mapping for Change

Project

Evaluating People Zones Leicestershire

Our Role

 

In 2022, Mapping for Change undertook research, using an Asset-Based Community Development Approach, to support the establishment of three People Zones in Leicestershire – an initiative developed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and promote community building.  MfC engaged with local residents to identify community assets, and discover the ideas, ambitions and concerns of local residents. For each People Zone, a community map was created as a lasting resource to connect residents with available resources. The research culminated in reports for each of the People Zones which highlighted the key themes and identified gaps in community provisions that required attention. Building upon this foundation, numerous opportunities were identified to implement hyper-localised community initiatives.

Now, Mapping for Change has been invited back to evaluate the impact of People Zones programme over the past 18 months. Through collaborative efforts with residents, our evaluation will delve into both the short and medium-term effects of the project on the community. We aim to establish clear metrics for success, pinpoint areas for improvement, and provide concrete evidence of the project’s effectiveness in addressing crime and antisocial behaviour. This evaluation process will not only inform future funding structures but also ensure that People Zones continue to tangibly impact the resident communities.

 

Case Study: Bell Foundry People Zone:

 

Following initial consultations with MfC, residents of Bell Foundry People Zone participated in a Light Audit aimed at identifying issues with street lighting and other safety concerns. Utilising the Sapelli app and Community Maps provided by MfC, residents documented these issues, which were then validated and escalated for action, resulting in improvements to street safety. The Marios Tinenti Centre, a local community hub, also regularly hosts litter picks to support the area’s Pride of Place, as emphasised in Bell Foundry’s report.

Another positive outcome of MfC’s initial consultation was the launch of a Mental Health Friendly Faces pilot program within Bell Foundry People Zone. Leveraging the community map, local businesses such as beauty salons and tattoo parlours were identified and targeted for training, enabling staff to provide informal mental health support to clients. The pilot proved successful, generating interest in expanding the program to other areas and organisations as a valuable signposting tool.

 

These examples illustrate some of the immediate impacts of People Zones Leicestershire. Through ongoing evaluation, we aim to identify and amplify these positive results, fostering further community development.

Related Projects

Citizen Science Used to Map Community Air Quality

In 2009, Mapping for Change supported communities across London to measure and map local air quality. Use of a ‘citizen science’ approach meant local residents in seven locations were able to collect data, then see the real results of their monitoring activities, and subsequently embark on a campaign to see the serious results addressed.

Breathe Clean - Citizen Science in Tower Hamlets

Breathe Clean will be providing Tower Hamlets residents with the materials & training needed to monitor nitrogen dioxide levels around the places that matter to them. Participants will measure the air quality at a number of locations over a period of six months, to get a more granular picture of the situation in the borough. The data from the Breathe Clean project will be made available on Mapping for Change’s community maps webpage. 

Eco21.PL

Funded under the Swiss Block Grant, Mapping for Change in collaboration with the Centre for Training and Personal Development MERITUM, the Cultural Authority City of Gardens and Highways 4 Elements carried out a two year training programme in the Silesia region of Poland.