Programme: Waterford
WHO Theme: Communication and Information
Cost: 5000 – 10000
Status: Completed
Description
Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with community groups and stakeholders hosted a series of Connecting Communities Roadshows throughout the city and county, which took place from February through to May, and offered local communities the opportunity to engage with the Local Authority and its associated partners. They also provided insight and guidance about setting up community groups, sourcing funding for developing community initiatives and how to build a stronger, inclusive, and vibrant place to live. This took place in all Municipal Districts of Waterford.
The initiative is spearheaded by Healthy Waterford (Community Section WCCC) and Waterford PPN, in collaboration with internal Departments of the Council including the Local Community Safety Partnership, Emergency Services, Climate Action, Customer Services and Creative Waterford, and with external organisations such as Waterford LEADER Partnership, Waterford Area Partnership, the HSE, and Waterford Sport Partnership, to name but a few.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the initiative. “This series of Connecting Communities Roadshows is a fantastic platform to gain insightful and informative feedback from local communities”
Aim of Initiative
As part of the project design the below objectives were set by the working groups of agencies
• Structured way of meeting with Municipal District areas of Waterford.
• Work alongside the Public Participation Network in supporting the Municipal District model
• Linking with the LCDC & LECP objectives
• Deliver key messages in relation to our programs at a local level and create future leads.
• Informal Public Consultation opportunities along with an oppurtunity for formal consolations at suitable locations
• To encourage collaboration internally within community facing positions of Waterford City and County Council and other organisation’s
• The more collaborative the greater potential increased attendance/impact at each roadshow.
• Organise unique offerings such as Health Screening or Guest Speakers / Movement Tests
• Enhance relations of all agencies to avoid over duplication of work and to create opportunities to collaborate going forward
Who is it aimed at
As part of the project design the below objectives were set by the working groups of agencies
• Structured way of meeting with Municipal District areas of Waterford.
• Work alongside the Public Participation Network in supporting the Municipal District model
• Linking with the LCDC & LECP objectives
• Deliver key messages in relation to our programs at a local level and create future leads.
• Informal Public Consultation opportunities along with an oppurtunity for formal consolations at suitable locations
• To encourage collaboration internally within community facing positions of Waterford City and County Council and other organisation’s
• The more collaborative the greater potential increased attendance/impact at each roadshow.
• Organise unique offerings such as Health Screening or Guest Speakers / Movement Tests
• Enhance relations of all agencies to avoid over duplication of work and to create opportunities to collaborate going forward
3 Steps critical to success
- The Local Authority would first identify key stakeholders who have a vested interest in community development and connectivity. This included community support organisations, non-profit organisations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, non-government agencies and a variety of local authority departments.
- The Local Authority held initial consultation meetings and workshops with stakeholders to introduce the concept of “Connecting Communities” and gather feedback on the idea. These meetings provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas for implementation. Throughout the development process, the Local Authority maintained open lines of communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress, soliciting feedback, and addressing any concerns or challenges that arise.
- Once the “Connecting Communities” initiative was implemented, the Local Authority continued to engage with stakeholders to monitor its effectiveness and impact. This included conducting pre and post surveys, focus groups, to evaluate the success and potential continuation of the project as a cross collaborative initiative.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- A review of the Connecting Communities Roadshows took place on the 28th of May. Overall the feedback from partners was extremely positive with a willingness to continue into 2025.
The following was agreed for next year.
• Begin in February and end in May. To run on a Monday or Tuesday evening. Five roadshows with a minimum of 3 weeks between each one.
• Must be run in each Municipal District
• Open call for stakeholders to be a part of roadshows. Criteria to be confirmed.
• Open call to limited number of local community groups.
• Each organisation to give as accurate account as possible of costs for 2024 so a budget can be submitted for 2025.
• Health Screenings were a positive intervention however more needed in relation to promotion of these to ensure full attendance.
• Change in timings to begin at 6.00pm and end at 8.00pm with the last half an hour being a talk arranged on a specific theme.
• Look at coordinating merchandise to avoid waste. One overall item with specific branding that is universal.
• Spot prize for attendees.
• A community survey to gain local data to be distributed before each roadshow.
• A mobile service to be offered outside for each one. This could be themed for each event. - Ensuring diverse community participation and engagement was challenging, as different demographics may have varying interests and availability. We tailored the roadshow content to appeal to different groups, using multiple communication channels (social media, flyers, local media), and considered hosting events at times and locations convenient for various communities.
- Ensuring the roadshow has a lasting impact beyond the event itself can be challenging. We have followed-up activities or resources (online forums, information packets, newsletters) to keep community members engaged after the roadshow ends and we encourage feedback and evaluation to inform future events.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- It increased community participation & feedback through attendance numbers. The higher interest & engagement was greater than previous public engagements. More awareness of resources, services, opportunities. Surveys showed increased knowledge & awareness. Partnerships measured through 24 key actions addressed together mitigated against silo working thus meeting the overall mission.
- Examples of quantifiable results.
• Well Organised – 76% gave a rating of 5 out of 5. 24% gave a rating of 3 and 4 out of 5 and 0% gave a rating of 1 to 2
• Content Stalls Relevant and Helpful – 73% gave a rating of 5 out of 5. 27% gave a rating of 3 and 4 out of 5 and 0% gave a rating of 1 to 2
• Materials – 67% gave a rating of 5 out of 5. 32% gave a rating of 3 and 4 out of 5 and 0% gave a rating of 1 to 2
• Expectations of the Event – 64% gave a rating of 5 out of 5. 36% gave a rating of 3 and 4 out of 5 and 0% gave a rating of 1 to 2
• Location and Venue – 76% gave a rating of 5 out of 5. 24% gave a rating of 3 and 4 out of 5 and 0% gave a rating of 1 to 2
• Attendance: 900+ attendees over the course of the project - The impact of the “Connecting Communities” initiative can be multifaceted, encompassing social, economic, environmental, and governance outcomes. Some of the measure outlined above are not as easily quantifiable in the short term but the opportunities and lines of communication were opened. See below quotes for examples
• “The Roadshow was a great chance to connect with multiple organizations quickly. As a volunteer with busy work schedule, it was very beneficial.”
• “I was impressed by the helpful and informative people I met from Waterford council, who informed me about available community supports.”
• “Loved meeting people in person (only seen them in print). Informal and easy to move between tables. Great contacts, excited for future catchups. Well done.”