Considerations in the Design of a Mixed-Method Cluster Evaluation of a Community Programme for ‘At-Risk’ Young

This article discusses the design of a comprehensive evaluation of a community development programme for young people ‘at-risk ’ of self-harming behaviour. It outlines considerations in the design of the evaluation and focuses on the complexities and difficulties associated with the evaluation of a community development programme. The challenge was to fulfil the needs of the funding body for a broad, outcome-focused evaluation while remaining close enough to the programme to accurately represent its activities and potential effects at a community level. Specifically, the strengths and limitations of a mixed-method evaluation plan are discussed with recommendations for future evaluation practice