Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

Vol 2 - Table of Contents Next Practical Information
Who participates and how?
It is important to encourage the engagement of both
Engaging young people
The following techniques could be helpful in encouraging and
facilitating the involvement of young people.
School projects and
competitions
School projects and competitions are a good way of
getting young people more deeply involved in specific
issues. This might include drawing competitions, onsite/community
surveys or designing and building models
of potential solutions.
Engaging the elderly
The following techniques could be used for engaging with
elderly people.
Bus about
Older people could be encouraged to think about specific
problems and solutions by taking part in a bus tour
around the study area. Key issues and potential solutions
could be discussed in focus groups after the tour.
elderly and young people in transport related projects
to ensure they are given the opportunity to impact on
decisions which are likely to affect them.
How much does it cost?
The costs of involving young people and the elderly will
depend on the techniques developed and the special
requirements of the stakeholders. Developing
interactive websites, models and games for young
people is likely to impact on costs, as will providing
different formats of materials (e.g. large print for elderly
people). Additional staff may be needed to supervise
the young and assist the elderly. Incentives may also
be required to encourage the involvement of
stakeholders.
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Drawing/sketching exercises
Young people could trace or draw over maps, plans or
photographs showing the project area to illustrate what
changes they would like to see made.
Games and interactive websites
Games and interactive websites could be designed to
encourage young people to think about the key issues
that affect them and potential solutions. These will have
to be of high quality to ensure young people do not lose
interest easily.
Promotion at leisure venues and
events
Engagement events could be promoted at leisure venues
such as bingo halls or elderly leisure clubs. This could
involve colourful posters, leaflets or presentations. These
should highlight the importance of the project and could
offer incentives to encourage involvement.
Round tables over a meal
This could provide an opportunity for elderly people to get
together to discuss ideas for the project. A notetaker will
be required and larger social events could be organised
with guest speakers.
What skills are required?
Skills in communicating with young and older people
will be required to ensure engagement events run
smoothly. An understanding of the requirements of the
young and old will also be necessary. Additional
assistance may be required for supervising the young
and supporting older people.
How is it used with other techniques?
Different techniques will be appropriate for different
age groups. Interactive websites or focus groups
centred on developing designs and models might be
appropriate for young people, whereas for the elderly,
public meetings and interviews might prove effective
techniques. This fact sheet should also be used in
conjunction with 'identifying stakeholders' (FS13),
'preparing an engagement strategy' (FS12) and
‘engaging impaired people’ (FS 66).
What are the drawbacks?
Additional time may need to be built into the project for
developing different sets of materials and techniques
for different age groups.
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