Mental Well-being Impact Assessment of Projects funded

MWIA report summaries
Recommendations
The following recommendations were developed to make the impact of the Newsham Park
Audience Development Plan on mental well-being as positive as possible.
That the local community are “consulted to death” on a wide range of topics beyond this MWIA
and feel it is tokenism and they are ignored. Evidence of being listened to, in terms of
engagement in and delivery of the Plan is critical to foster feelings of ownership.
Rather than adopting a purely “enforcement” approach to existing anti-social behaviour in the
Park, particular efforts should be made to engage with children and young people likely to
become users of the restored park. [This might also relate to a proposed further MWIA with the
City Academy located in the Park]
Regardless of whether Big Lottery funding is secured or not for the restoration and development
of the Park, future plans must reflect the learning from the workshop. Future sustainability need
not be bid-dependant.
The MWIA has provided a platform for sustained development that, even in the absence of
further funding, will provide a vehicle for bringing together stakeholders to ensure the
sustainability of the Plan, even if impacts are at a reduced level.
It is important that for sustainability and in order to contribute overall to well-being across the
City, the Plan is not regarded as solely a “displacement strategy”.
References
Coggins T & Cooke A (2004). Mental Well-being Impact Assessment Indicators Screening Toolkit.
Lewisham & Lambeth Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
Coggins, T., Cooke, A., Friedli, L., Nicholls, J., Scott-Samuel, A. & Stansfield, J. (2007) Mental Wellbeing
Impact Assessment: A Toolkit ‘A Living and Working Document’. Care Services Improvement
Partnership North West Development Centre).
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