Neighbourhood Networks – North Ayrshire Evaluation

Neighbourhood Networks are a Scottish charity who have supported people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health issues for over 20 years.

“Through local networks of mutual support, we will work with people in their neighbourhoods to deliver the support they require to live independently in their own homes, and to contribute to their communities.” Neighbourhood Networks Mission Statement

We were delighted to carry out an evaluation exploring the impacts of their networks in North Ayrshire. Over the past few months we’ve been busy taking part in some of the network meetings, and listening to members, their families, carers and staff.

We used our magic moments evaluation approach to organise the information and highlight the positive impacts across several outcome themes. The approach enables us to understand what’s important to the members and the aspects of the Neighbourhood Network model that make it work so well for the people involved.

“Since joining Neighbourhood Networks I have formed some good friendships whereas before I was more isolated and only really got out with family. I enjoy going along to network activities and meeting up with other members. I have particularly enjoyed the personal safety courses that I have attended with members of Neighbourhood Networks at the centre of personal safety in Ardrossan.” Member

“Neighbourhood Networks has made an incredible difference and given me peace of mind.” Members Family

You can read the full evaluation here: https://otbds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NN-North-Ayrshire-Report-May-2023.pdf

Read more about our evaluation work here: https://otbds.org/what-we-do/evaluation/ Read our Magic Moments in our blog here: https://otbds.org/storie-matter-how-they-can-be-used-in-qualitative-analysis-and-evaluation/