Evaluating the success of a grassroots effort in fostering community connections
Client
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Timeframe
April 2024 - July 2024
Role
Principal, Lead Researcher
Engagement
1,000+ Victorians
Objective
To determine the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Watch Street Pop-Up events in improving residents’ sense of community and safety, and identify best practices for future initiatives.
“At a few of the events that I attended, local residents invited us into their home during and after the event. Just in case we needed a bathroom or wanted to have a cuppa.
— Event staff
Methodology
Our evaluation process was a collaborative effort, involving the community, Neighbourhood Watch staff, and our research team. We evaluated 25 Street Pop-Up events that took place in and around Melbourne, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods:
Attendee surveys. We designed and delivered a bespoke survey that invited residents to document changes in their feelings of connectedness and safety before and after participating in Street Pop-Ups.
Staff feedback. Neighbourhood Watch staff observed event logistics and community interactions. Following each event, they reported their experiences in a tailored online platform.
Qualitative observations. We documented attendee interactions and studied physical locations to identify key attributes of successful events, such as the accessibility of locations, the scale of Street Pop-Up events, and the impact of weather.
We analysed the survey data comprehensively to identify trends and significant changes in community connectedness and safety perceptions. Our final evaluation report was carefully crafted to satisfy the needs of funders and build data literacy among the client team.
Outcome
The final evaluation report provided data-driven insights and practical recommendations. With a 16% increase in attendees’ sense of community and a 10% rise in perceived safety levels after attending, our evaluation showed that Street Pop-Ups are a powerful tool to strengthen neighbourhood ties.
By identifying what works best—small, hyperlocal events where Neighbourhood Watch staff are strongly present—we helped the organisation refine its approach, sustain and scale the initiative, and ensure continued impact.
