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Project evaluation

Evaluation is a critical part of the project and has been undertaken from the beginning. We have employed a number of techniques, some existing and some that have been developed by us to work specifically with the project target groups. As part of the project we hope to disseminate the techniques we have developed to help other organisations who are carrying out evaluation. 

The following techniques are being used:

Quantitative monitoring of:

• participants involved in community engagement activities
• dissemination of information, guidance and news
• website visits
• respondents to surveys
• attendance of project-related training and events
• involvement of collaborators and partners
• information and dissemination materials produced
• requests for information and guidance received

Qualitative monitoring of:

• baseline information from disability and environmental organisations and disabled individuals through surveys and interviews to gain views about current levels of usage, perceived importance of access to outdoor spaces and barriers preventing greater access
• personal meaning mapping to explore experiences of visiting places
• supporting people with learning disabilities and older disabled people to undertake evaluation with their peer groups
• community engagement techniques to explore views and ideas with people with learning disabilities, older disabled people, carers and assistants, and service providers.

As part of our aim to employ a wider and more engaging range of evaluation techniques we have been working with a community arts evaluation experts Rhian Jones and Mike Hotson from Wales. As part of this we arranged a session where they shared their approach with people involved in other community projects.

A full report on the project will be available from this web site.