Local People Programme Evaluation 2020
The Local People programme evaluation, published in partnership with New Economics Foundation and Leeds Beckett University, examines the effects of locally led projects established to address health inequalities, between 2017 and 2019.
The report looks at 29 Local People projects, based in the some of the most deprived areas of England, Scotland and Wales. The initiative gives people living in neighbourhoods experiencing disadvantage control over identifying and taking action on relevant local priorities around health inequalities. Health inequalities are determined by the social, economic, political and environmental circumstances which people live in.
Funded by People’s Health Trust, the projects are delivered in partnership with national charities including Scope, Royal Voluntary Society, Youth Sport Trust and The Conservation Volunteers. Since the evaluation, many of the projects have evolved and adapted their work to respond to changing needs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Overall, the evaluation found that projects had a positive impact in their communities, including important improvements in the neighbourhoods and communities; improved social connections within and between groups of people; people’s enjoyment, sense of belonging and community spirit increased; quality of life improved and better places to live created.
The evaluation also found that residents closely involved in making decisions and delivering the projects have significantly increased their confidence, knowledge, understanding and skills. They felt able to make the changes they want to see in their neighbourhoods, and are more in control.
