Blakelaw and Cowgate Coordination Project evaluation

In 2003, the Blakelaw and Cowgate Coordination Project was established in response to a recognised need to coordinate local community services across two sites in North West Newcastle. The project contributes to Newcastle City Council’s Neighbourhood Strategy, which intends to address residents’ priorities for improvements to local neighbourhoods, strengthened communities and community participation. The Blakelaw and Cowgate Coordination Project supported the development of Montagu CFSS and Blakelaw Neighbourhood Centre. The intention of Montagu CFSS is to address the concerns of pupils, families and the wider community through the development and delivery of rapid response services provided by a multi-disciplinary team. A wide range of organisations deliver services from the school itself as well as Blakelaw Neighbourhood Centre, both of which are part of a management network of community based services. The Coordination Project aims to: Develop and implement support mechanisms, community capacity building measures, and effective partnerships in order to meet community aspirations regarding service delivery and activities. Build upon and apply a committed partnership approach at both area and neighbourhood levels. Enable and empower communities to develop through change in relation to service delivery style and approach, and to give input regarding activities delivered at neighbourhood level. The research team were commissioned to measure and assess the effectiveness of the Montagu CFSS and Blakelaw Neighbourhood Centre Coordination Project. In conducting this research, the findings will feedback to project beneficiaries (the local community), relevant policy makers and strategists, and funding bodies in terms of its impact and the development of a forward plan for the future of the project. This report outlines the findings of the evaluation, which was carried out by Sustainable Cities Research Institute at Northumbria University