Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
Social Research ¦ Market Research ¦ Behavioural Insight ¦ Evaluation ¦ SROI
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of green, open spaces to local residents’ physical and mental wellbeing. This is likely to continue to be important in the future as we learn to live with the virus. The Council therefore wanted to gather feedback on how available funding could be used to enhance the facilities in East Park for young people, families and local residents, so they can enjoy the benefits of physical and mental wellbeing all year round.
M·E·L Research was commissioned to help the Council with a resident engagement programme which sought to engage all sectors of the community.
To understand who and where East Park communities of interest were, a stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken before planning targeted engagement activities.
A mixture of quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to consult with local communities to capture their views on the future of East Park including household surveys (for those in a 1 mile radius of the park), a supplementary young persons’ survey, in-park surveys and wider qualitative engagement with local schools and community groups.
Findings were drawn together from all strands of the consultation activity which explored usage of the park, the impact of COVID-19 on usage, health and wellbeing and preferences for potential park improvements and developments. Following the consultation, the Council have announced plans to invest £500,000 to improve the park for local residents.
