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Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Picnics in the Park

September 2012

Evaluation report by Lynne Friedli With Markus Themessl-Huber and Maggie Butchart

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Many people contributed their time, knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to the evaluation of Equally Well in Dundee. The evaluation team would like to thank everyone who agreed to be interviewed, took part in focus groups and all the people who gave feed back or shared their views as the test site developed. Above all, we would like to thank those who live and work in Stobswell and who contributed to Picnics in the Park by getting involved, organising activities and coming along to Baxter Park, whatever the weather. Special thanks to all the parents who made time during the picnics to give feedback and ideas and so helped to make the picnics both successful and sustainable. Acknowledgements

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Contents Page Summary 1. Aims 4 2. Activities 4 3. Evaluation findings 5 3.1 Engagement 5 3.2 Capacity 5 3.3 Contribution of test site 6 3.4 What did we learn? 6 3.5 Sustainability 6 Main report 1. Introduction 7 2. Equally Well background 7 3. Aims of test site 7 4. Mental health and wellbeing 8 5. The test site approach 8 6. Evaluation of the test siteʼs approach 8 7. Evaluation of Picnicʼs in the Park 9 7.1 Picnicʼs in the Park: Background and context 9 7.2 Picnicʼs in the Park: Aims 10 7.3 Description of activities 10 7.4 Process 11 7.5 Evaluations methods 12 7.6 Evaluation findings 12 7.6.1 Engagement 13 7.6.2 Capacity 15 7.6.3 Behaviour change 15 7.7 Contribution of test site 15 7.8 What did we learn? 16 7.9 Sustainability/legacy 17 8. Conclusions 18 References 19 Appendix one - Outcomes from the survey providers (11/08/2011) 20 Appendix two - Parentʼs reflection 22 Appendix three - Map of Stobswell 27

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Summary This report sets out the findings from the evaluation of Picnics in the Park, developed in Stobswell as part of the Dundee Equally Well test site.1 1. Aims The picnics were a way of responding to the community desire to ʻmake more use of Baxter Parkʼ by bringing people together to share in activities in a pleasant green setting. The aims of the picnics for the community were to: • Increase opportunities for social contact. • Improve the number of activities for families, children and young people in the area. • Encourage use of Baxter Park. From a service perspective the picnics aimed to: • Develop networking opportunities with the local community and between organisations. • Strengthen professional relationships and partnership working. • Build a sustainable service network for future sharing of information and joint working. 2. Activities A total of ten picnics took place: four picnics were held over the summer months in 2010. This was expanded in 2011 with one event held at Easter, four in the summer, and a further one held during the October holidays. Attendance at the picnics grew from 40 – 50 people to over 150, and everything in between. The picnics were co-ordinated initially by the test site development workers and grew to involve a wide range of services. There were also opportunities for picnic participants to be involved in planning future activities by joining the Stobswell Events Planning Committee.

1. A map of Stobswell is included in Appendix 4

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3. Evaluation findings Picnics in the Park contributed to: • Engagement e.g. bringing people together (local people, children and families and services). • Improved capacity e.g. sharing information, partnership working, parents expressing willingness to help with future picnics. • Behaviour change e.g. enhanced participation – meeting three of the indicators for a mentally healthy community that came out of the community consultation; ʻcommunity events and celebrationsʼ, ʻpeople are getting involvedʼ and ʻyoung people have something to do.ʼ 3.1 Engagement A good range of different agencies got involved and expressed ongoing commitment. Service providers felt that the picnics provided an opportunity to build relationships with community members and there is now a database of contacts to share information about future events. Feedback from people who attended (N=61) showed very high levels of satisfaction with the picnics, with very few negative comments (dogs and poor weather) and a number of parents expressed definite interest in helping to organise future picnics. Arrangements were made to meet up with interested parents and to link them into existing support structures. Many people also had ideas about how to improve future events. Positive features that were particularly highlighted were the social aspects, activities for children and ʻbeing outsideʼ, showing that the aims of the picnics successfully matched the preferences of the local community. 3.2 Capacity Working to deliver the picnics as an event for the Stobswell community has resulted in closer partnership relationships between services in the area. Services meet regularly through StobsWELLbeing to plan events such as the picnics, where they share responsibility for organising, prioritising and delivering events. The interest expressed by parents indicates potential for greater capacity within the community for future involvement in planning and delivering the picnics.

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3.3 Contribution of test site The test siteʼs initial impetus to bring local services together has created a route for sharing information and generating ideas of new ways to work together to engage the community. The test site's focus was supporting workers in Stobswell who were involved in organising the picnics and extending those links, for example building relationships with local nurseries who attended the picnics with children, and then went on to help promote the picnics and continue to do so. Service providers found the picnics a useful way to deliver their own service objectives through greater engagement with the public. 3.4 What did we learn? Much of the learning concerned practical issues, e.g. publicity and contingency plans for bad weather. More broadly, the test site stayed true to the agreed approach of not setting up new and unsustainable interventions and avoided the temptation to provide direct support to local people. The fact that the picnics are likely to be sustainable demonstrates the benefits of this approach. 3.5 Sustainability Sustainability has been a central theme of the test site and the planned continuation of the picnics by local services can be viewed as a success of the test site approach. There are plans to continue with the Picnics and the test site's role moved from taking the lead in organising the picnics to helping existing local organisations and members of the community to sustain the picnics once the test site comes to an end.

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1. Introduction This report sets out the findings from the evaluation of Picnics in the Park, a series of ten lunchtime events held in Baxter Park, Stobswell, as part of the Equally Well test site.2 It includes background information on the aims, context and approach of Equally Well in Dundee (sections 1- 6). The evaluation of Picnics in the Park is covered in section 7. 2. Equally Well background The Dundee test site is one of eight national demonstration sites sponsored by the Scottish Government as part of the implementation of Equally Well.3 The Dundee test site focused on the Equally Well priority of addressing: the high economic, social and health burden imposed by mental illness and the corresponding requirement to improve mental wellbeing.4 Working in Stobswell, a disadvantaged community in Dundee, it aimed to test new ways of working, predominantly in public services, to tackle health inequalities and improve community mental wellbeing. The test site has taken a determinants approach, acting as a catalyst for change. Improving mental wellbeing is seen as a long term outcome which can only be achieved if the influences on wellbeing are addressed. 3. Aims of Test Site The test site hypothesis is: That through a process of engagement, awareness raising and capacity building, services and the community can change to better address factors affecting mental wellbeing. The test site has aimed to improve community mental wellbeing through a process of: • Community and service provider engagement. • Increased understanding of mental wellbeing in its broadest sense. • Building community and service capacity to support mental wellbeing. • Identifying and supporting changes that will make a difference. The test site further focused on finding answers to the following questions: • How does the test site facilitate the service, community and partnership response? • What difference does this make to mental wellbeing and its determinants? 2. A full list of evaluation reports for the Dundee Equally Well test site is included in appendix three. 3. ODS Consulting (2011) Equally Well Test Sites Evaluation http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5342.aspx. This report also includes a detailed account of the national context for Equally Well as well as information on the other seven test sites. 4. Scottish Government (2008) Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities Edinburgh NHS Health Scotland (2011) Equally Well Test Sites Evaluation http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5342.aspx

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4. Mental health and wellbeing The test site developed the following plain-speak definition of mental wellbeing: Mental wellbeing is how we feel, think and behave. It is affected by lots of things, such as where we live, whether we feel useful and valued, and the kinds of relationships we have with others. Mental wellbeing is important for everyone. This definition explicitly highlights key determinants of wellbeing – the circumstances of peopleʼs lives, how people are treated and the quality of relationships – and was used as the basis for a wide range of conversations about mental wellbeing with local communities, services and other stakeholders.5 It was also included on contact cards for people who had any queries about the test-site and these were handed out during outreach. 5. The test site approach The test site was guided by a set of ʻsimple rulesʼ, endorsed by the Equally Well Core Group (figure 1). Figure 1: Simple Rules The test site worked across three levels; locally, strategically and nationally. Its philosophy was reflected in these ʻsimple rulesʼ and steeped in Dundee traditions of social justice, community development and partnership working.6 Working towards the key aims of improving mental wellbeing and reducing health inequalities involved recognising explicitly the link between these outcomes and addressing deprivation and disadvantage. 6. Evaluation of the test siteʼs approach The framework for evaluating the test site is based on a Contribution Analysis (CA) theory of change (Figure2)7. CA describes a process of engagement, raising awareness, and capacity building, which leads to changes in behaviours and practice. These changes will impact on the determinants of mental wellbeing (identified through the test site community consultation) and lead to improvements in community mental wellbeing over the long term.

Core Group level Community level Think mental health inequalities as well as mental

health

Work in partnership

Take into account the wider determinants of

mental wellbeing

Involve the community and frontline staff at

every stage Build changes into existing processes and

structures

See people as assets

Think sustainability and transferability De-jargonise

Measure progress in ways that make sense to the

community

Work in groups

Make evidence informed decisions Think of creative solutions to complex problems

Reflect and learn Reflect and learn

5. Community Consultation on Mental Wellbeing: Equally Well Evaluation Report (2012) Dundee 6. Dundee Anti Poverty Forum, with Paul Spicker, 2005, No room for dreams: poverty in Dundee Dundee; Dundee City Council SOA http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/cplanning/plans/ equality impact http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/cplanning/eqiacouncilwide/; SOA Annual Report 2009/10 Report 640/2010 October 2010 7. Wimbush, E. and T. Mulherin (2010). A Results-Based Performance Framework for Dundee Equally Well Test Site and StobsWELLbeing. Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh Business School

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The test site is perceived as having direct control over the engagement and awareness stages of the change process, direct influence over capacity building and changes in behaviours, and indirect influence on determinants and longer term outcomes. Figure 2 Mapping a theory of change (adapted from Wimbush 2009) The local evaluation was guided by the following questions: • What strategies and resources are used by the test site to engage and influence stakeholders, to build community/service capacity and tackle influences on mental wellbeing? • How successful are the test site strategies in achieving influence: at local and strategic level • Is there any evidence that local services and the community are working differently? • Do these changes result in improvements likely to influence mental wellbeing? • What are the lessons from the development and implementation of the test site that are transferable? • Are the achievements of the test site sustainable? 7. Evaluation of Picnics in the Park The following sections describe the background, aims, activities and evaluation findings of Picnics in the Park. 7.1 Picnics in the Park: background and context One of the key priorities for the test site was to identify local perceptions of what mattered for wellbeing in Stobswell. Findings from the Equally Well Community Consultation showed that Baxter Park is much loved and valued by local residents. In the Community Consultation: Mental Wellbeing in Stobswell Survey (153 responses), Baxter Park was most frequently spontaneously mentioned as the ʻbest thing about living in Stobswellʼ.8 Through the consultation, many people also suggested that Baxter Park

OUTCOMESOUTCOMESINPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Direct influenceDirect controlIndirect

influence

Improved

end ‘state’ –

community

wellbeing

Community

and Local

Partner

more aware

of problems

and see role in solutions

Improved

Capacity of

Partners &

Community

Changes in

Behaviours &

Practices of

Community &

Partners

Tackling

influences

Improved

trust,

social

support,

influence

Activities and outputs of test site partnership

Local

Partners

and

Community

more

engaged

Operational

environment

‘Results Chain’

8. Friedli L and McMahon S (2012) Community Consultation: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report One Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative

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could be used more, to bring people together, to provide activities for children and families and to enjoy the benefits of a local green space. The idea of Picnics in the Park therefore developed in response to this aspiration. From a service perspective, the picnics were also a means of developing networking opportunities with the local community and with other partner organisations. The picnics presented an occasion to strengthen professional relationships in the area. It was hoped the collaborative working process to deliver the picnics would foster a cohesive service network to share information and promote closer partnership working in the area. The aspiration to make the best use of Baxter Park as a natural asset built on wider service provider interest in the health and mental health benefits of green, open spaces, notably among Countryside Rangers.9 Of particular interest is emerging evidence that populations exposed to the greenest environments (parks, woodlands, open spaces) have lower levels of income-related inequalities in health and that this may be due to the ʻstress bufferingʼ impact of contact with nature (Mitchell and Popham 2008). From this perspective, optimising the use of Baxter Park as both a green space and a social space was seen as contributing to improved community mental wellbeing in Stobswell. 7.2 Picnicʼs in the Park: Aims The picnics were a way of responding to the community desire to ʻmake more use of Baxter Parkʼ by bringing people together to share in activities in a pleasant green setting. The aims of the picnics for the community were to: • Increase opportunities for social contact. • Improve the number of activities for families, children and young people in the area • Encourage use of Baxter Park From a service perspective the picnics aimed to: • Develop networking opportunities with the local community and between organisations. • Strengthen professional relationships and partnership working. • Build a sustainable service network for future sharing of information and joint working. 7.3 Description of activities A total of ten picnics took place during the period covered by this report: four picnics were held over the summer months in 2010. This was expanded in 2011 with one event held at Easter, four in the summer, and a further one held during the October holidays. A series of 8 picnics are planned for 2012 with minimal, and ultimately, no support from the test site. The Picnics were held at lunch time from 12-2 p.m. and provided an opportunity to participate in activities aimed at all the family. The picnics offered a range of activities for children and families to take part in, including sports and arts and crafts, as well as information on local services e.g. adult learning, youth sports development and green activities. Attendance at the picnics grew from 40 – 50 people to over 150, and everything in between. 9. Friedli L (2009) Mental health, wellbeing and the natural environment: a briefing for Dundee Equally Well

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The weather was a key factor in influencing numbers attending. There were also opportunities for picnic participants to be involved in planning future activities by joining the Stobswell Events Planning Committee. The picnics were co-ordinated initially by the test site development workers and grew to involve a wide range of services (table 1). The picnics were delivered in an informal setting and manner; all activities were free of charge and delivered with local people in mind, who stated in the Community Consultation that they would like to see more activities in the park for children and families during the holiday break. Table 1: Services involved in the 2010/11 Picnic

7.4 Process Planning began a few months before the picnics were scheduled to happen and involved organising publicity and securing appropriate space for the activities. Planning of the picnics was incorporated into the existing Maryfield Community Engagement Group meetings, (a sub group of the Local Community Planning Partnership), to help integrate the work of the test site into mainstream mechanisms. Publicising the picnics involved leaflet drops at schools and businesses in the area: approximately 2000 leaflets were delivered in advance of the 2010 summer picnics, with leaflets distributed to each classroom in local primary schools. Overall, planning for the picnics required a time commitment of approximately 16 hours. Two StobsWELLbeing development workers advertised the picnics on approximately three leafleting sessions lasting from 1-2 hours. It is also worth noting that a number of agencies were able to attend and participate based upon having a secure funding source for their organisation – a situation which may change for some agencies in the future.

Service Activities When

1 Countryside Rangers Delivered arts and crafts activities 2010/11

2 Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Healthy eating activity for children 2010/11

3 Youth Sports Development Team Delivered a variety of sports activities for

children and young people who were there. 2010/11

4 Adult Learning Provided jewellery making and other arts and crafts activities. Also engaged with parents with

the adult learning newsletters

2010/11

5

Community Carbon Exchange

Brought an array of information for people regarding reducing carbon footprints. Karaoke and scalextric activities were also provided and

powered using a dynamo powered bike.

2010/11

6 Environmental Artist Provided arts and crafts activities. 2010/11

7 Dundee Cancer Centre Distributed information. 2011

8 Bluewatch Fire Brigade Promoted home safety checks. 2011

9 Play On Wheels Bus Provided young children with play activities. 2011/2010

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Materials/equipment In response to the experience of the 2010 picnics, the Baxter Park Rangers Centre was booked for all sessions for 2011 picnics to ensure access to toilet facilities and as a wet weather plan for arts and crafts activities. It was also used to showcase photographs from previous picnics. There was no cost to reserve the centre. Cost implications for the picnics were as follows: Countryside Rangers = £16 per half day session =£32 Youth Sports Development = £25 Environmental Artist = £75 for each 3 hours session = £225 Flyers & posters to advertise the picnics = Free through DHLI 7.5 Evaluation methods The report draws together the following different data sources which have informed the findings: Online survey completed by services involved in delivery of activities (11/08/2011) Views from parents involved in the picnics (2010/11) Reflections documents, minutes and briefing notes relating to the picnics (2010/11) Provider Survey (Appendix 1) The online survey was completed by eight out of the nine services involved in delivering activities at the Picnics in the Park. The survey consisted of 11 questions, which assessed service provider awareness, involvement and commitment to the Picnics. Document Analysis: reflections, minutes, briefing notes The report includes an analysis of key documents relating to the picnics, such as minutes, briefing notes and key workersʼ reflective diaries. Parentsʼ views (Appendix 2) Parents were invited to feedback their views at three of the picnics that took place in 2010. Parents completed a short evaluation form (N=15; N=22; N=24) which asked them to rate their satisfaction with the picnics out of 10. They were also asked to state why they came along, what they felt they had got from the day, with a final questions asking for suggestions to improve the picnics. 7.6 Evaluation findings “I was here the first day and it was magic” “My son has had a great time making things, and the nature trail; just enjoying the park” Parent interviews

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The evaluation findings present the impact of the picnics over the two year period (2010/11). Picnics in the Park contributed to: • engagement e.g. bringing people together (local people, children and families and services) • improved capacity e.g. sharing information, partnership working, parents expressing willingness to help with future picnics • behaviour change e.g. enhanced participation – meeting three of the indicators for a mentally healthy community that came out of the community consultation ʻcommunity events and celebrationsʼ, ʻpeople are getting involvedʼ and ʻyoung people have something to doʼ These form part of the results chain shown below (figure 3). However, Picnics in the Park also had an immediate impact on wellbeing, with parents who attended saying they came along for ʻfunʼ, ʻto do something with the kidsʼ and to ʻmeet up with friendsʼ. For the majority of parents who completed an evaluation form, what they got from the picnics was ʻgood fun for the kidsʼ, who enjoyed the arts and other activities, as well as their own enjoyment of chatting with friends. Figure 3: Results Chain 7.6.1 Engagement “There were a lot of familiar faces from local groups, such as the Park Avenue Toddler Group, Buttons & Bows Nursery, Sandeman backies project and people I've met on numerous occasions through general outreach work.” “Hopefully the Picnics will increase the use of Baxter Park, by providing a range of activities that encourage people to attend.” Service Provider Survey The picnics were well attended with numbers growing from 40 – 50 to over 150 participants depending on the weather. From observation, it appeared that it was mostly families with children of primary school and pre-school age attending; in addition, some children participated without their families. During outreach sessions to promote awareness of the picnics, workers noted that people appeared interested and engaged: “Contact with a local book shop owner on this particular session resulted in the local person attending the Planning Committee for Celebration in The Park.” “People appeared to be interested in the 'What's On Guide' and were keen to receive information, particularly parents, for activities over the summer break such as 'Picnic in The Park' (PITP).” Outreach worker reflections

Improved

end ‘state’ –

community

wellbeing

Community

and Local

Partner

more aware of problems

and see role in solutions

Improved

Capacity of

Partners &

Community

Changes in

Behaviours &

Practices of

Community &

Partners

Tackling

influences

Improved

trust,

social

support,

influence

Activities and outputs of test site partnership

Local

Partners

and

Community

more

engaged

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Feedback from people who attended (N=15+22+24) showed very high levels of satisfaction with the picnics, with very few negative comments (dogs and poor weather). Nine people expressed definite interest in helping to organise future picnics, with one ʻperhapsʼ. Arrangements were made to meet up with interested parents and to link them into existing support structures, in this case the Events Group, facilitated by Regeneration Workers. Many people also had ideas about how to improve future events. Positive features of the picnics that were particularly highlighted were the social aspects, the activities for children and ʻbeing outsideʼ, showing that the aims of the picnics successfully matched the preferences of the local community. Many parents enjoyed the opportunity to meet with other parents and specifically attended the picnics for this opportunity, as well as enjoying watching children having fun. Box 1 gives some examples of feedback:

Box 1: Parentsʼ feedback from Picnics in the Park Suggestions for future events included ideas for additional activities e.g. dancing, football for girls, face painting, more arts and crafts and additional educational activities e.g. on history of Baxter Park. Several people asked for more activities for toddlers e.g. sand castles. The level of interest in future events suggested a good level of engagement, with some people specifically requesting information about future events e.g. to be distributed at local nursery schools.

Kids enjoyed the sticky picture crafts with the countryside rangers; wacky races with the sports team;

Spending time outside with the kids watching them having fun;

The variety of activities (superb); The children enjoying themselves; smoothie making

Everything great for the kids and the people are very friendly;

Friendly atmosphere, games arts and crafts;

Fantastic activities my 3 year old twins really loved the cut out and stick ranger activity;

It's kept the kids happy and they have learnt new things;

Sports development involvement with kids; Letting kids all play and have fun together;

The children really enjoyed the sports activities such as dodge ball and parachute activities;

Meeting new people and my daughter enjoyed it too;

Happy atmosphere in park, enjoyed seeing children mingling;

Seeing my daughter enjoy herself with all the other kids, and a cup of tea in the cafe;

Being out in fresh air and my grandchild has enjoyed park facilities;

The weather and the walk; I enjoy the kids having a ball

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7.6.2 Capacity Working to deliver the picnics as an event for the Stobswell community has resulted in closer partnership relationships between services in the area. The test siteʼs initial impetus to bring local services together has created a route for sharing information and generating ideas of new ways to work together to engage the community. Services meet regularly through StobsWELLbeing to plan events such as the picnics, where they share responsibility for organising, prioritising and delivering events. Service providers also felt that the picnics provided an opportunity to build relationships with community members and there is now a database of contacts to share information about future events. The interest expressed by parents indicates potential for greater capacity within the community for future involvement in planning and delivering the picnics. 7.6.3 Behaviour change “Following work in Sandeman backies, it was great to see an older neighbour accompanying 2 of her neighbour's children to the event. Originally from the consultation in the backies, it was clear that there were issues with some of the older residents and young children having little respect for the garden plots in the backies. However, following the process, relationships began to change and it was a big improvement to see the neighbour looking after the children.” Development Worker Reflective diary Picnics in the Park had an immediate impact on behaviour by creating a new opportunity for local families and those from further afield in Dundee to participate in activities in Baxter Park over the summer holidays. The picnics also appear to have laid the foundations for future involvement in planning and organising by those parents who expressed a willingness to help out. For service providers, the test of change will lie in the extent to which the picnics are sustainable beyond the test site. As can be seen from section 7.9, organisation of the final picnic was taken over by local service providers, with input from local people in the Local Events Committee, and the indications are that the picnics will be sustainable. 7.7 Contribution of test site The test site has successfully fostered inter-organisational participation to deliver events for the community. Organising the picnics required commitment and co-operation between services to plan and deliver activities. The test site's focus was supporting workers in Stobswell who were involved in organising the picnics and extending those links, for example building relationships with local nurseries who attended the picnics with children, who then went on to help promote the picnics and continue to do so.

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Service providers found the picnics a useful way to deliver their own service objectives through greater engagement with the public. The picnics enabled service providers to get alongside members of the community and engage them in a two-way conversation in a non-traditional setting: “Community engagement and the promotion of Home Fire safety visits and the importance of having a working smoke alarm within homes.” Service provider ʻreasons for taking partʼ 7.8 What did we learn? There was practical learning from the picnics in 2010/11 which included planning and organisational implications for resourcing future picnics. Direct Learning from 2010 Picnics The organisations involved felt that for a “little effort a lot was achieved” and one of the main benefits was inter-organisational participation. The picnics brought together organisations which had not previously worked together to interact with the community in an informal way. Practical learning points from the 2010 picnics included • The need for a contingency plan for bad weather, which resulted in the booking of the Countryside Rangers Centre for 2011 picnics. • Targeted publicity – leaflet drops at schools and local business Further considerations that participating service providers felt should be taken into account included: • The extent to which picnics were seen as a play scheme • Over reliance on good weather • Only 25% of those attending were from the Stobswell area • Possible duplication with other services planning activities in the area Direct Learning from 2011 Picnics The picnics in 2011 had outcomes similar to 2010, as services participating benefited from closer working relationships, and the families involved enjoyed the picnics and felt they were worthwhile. There continued to be an issue for some services about attracting people from out-with the targeted Stobswell area. “Because it was a wet day & activities were inside, I made contact with a number of adults through the activities we had on offer for the children. Parents were there to help their children and this gave an opportunity to promote the work we do. Limited numbers I think from the Maryfield Ward but handed out our Adult Learning newsletter which covers our programme for the whole of the city.” Service provider survey

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Again the weather affected events; however, having the use of the Rangerʼs Centre enabled the arts and crafts activities to continue. The sports events were not possible on rainy days which impacts on costs for providing this activity when it is not possible for it to take place. There may be benefits in negotiating flexibility with Sports Development, if possible, for occasions when activities are not possible due to adverse weather. More broadly, the test site stayed true to the agreed approach of not setting up new and unsustainable interventions and avoided the temptation to provide direct support to local people. The fact that the picnics are likely to be sustainable demonstrates the benefits of this approach: “It was hard for us to see need and interest (from parents) being unmet. However, the picnics are being sustained by local organisations and we continue to bang the drum for adopting community development approaches to make them better. It is a work in progress!” Picnics in the Park reflections, Equally Well team 7.9 Sustainability/legacy “Following the test-site it is hoped that the picnics will be sustained through other local organisations that will recognise the importance of improving mental wellbeing within their remit.” Service provider survey Sustainability has been a central theme of the test site and the planned continuation of the picnics by local services can be viewed as a success of the test site approach. There are plans to continue with the Picnics and the test site's role moved laterally from taking the lead in organising the picnics to helping existing local organisations and members of the community to sustain the picnics once the test site comes to an end. There was a strong feeling among service providers that the coordination role was important and needed to be taken on. “Someone to continue to organise the sessions and arrange providers. A variety of providers is essential to keep up public interest.” Service provider survey This process was achieved in the final picnic of 2011, where the planning and development was led by Adult Learning and the Regeneration Team. Development workers from the test site took part but played a subsidiary role. Services involved in delivering activities have now made a commitment to continue the picnics. There were minimal costs involved in delivering the picnics with some services providing their activities for free. Costs involved for materials for activities were met by the services involved and partly by the test site. Part of the debate for sustainability in the future would be in negotiating local funding to meet these needs. The formation of the StobsWELLbeing Group, led by the test site, was integral in facilitating the process of planning and delivering the picnics. The continuation of this group once the test site comes to an end, in order to share information and plan events such as the picnics, would be an indicator of test site success.

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Sustaining Picnics in the Park represents an important response to the local community requests in the Equally Well Community Consultation for more activities for families and children during school breaks, which has also been reflected in the local community plan. It has been agreed that the Picnics are a community engagement activity and can be sustained jointly by various local partners; Planning arrangements can take place at the Maryfield Community Engagement Group Meetings which are held on a regular basis. In addition, it is planned that the Active Families Co-ordinator will link in to the picnics and help provide activities for future sustainability. 8. Conclusions The picnics achieved their aim of bringing people together and making more use of Baxter Park. They increased the opportunity for social contact in the community through providing informal activities for families in the area. Services felt that planning and delivery of the picnics resulted in more effective and closer working relationships with partner services, as well as providing a way of engaging with the community informally to deliver their service objectives. The success of the test site approach in generating new ways for service providers to come together is evident in the final picnic of 2011, which was led by the Adult Learning & the Regeneration Team, with the test site development workers playing only a minor participatory role. Considerable effort has gone into planning, organising and delivering the picnics in the park, the picnics have been enjoyed by those who have attended and in addition to those attending from the Stobswell, a considerable number of people from surrounding areas have also participated. Commitment from services to continue with the picnics remains strong. Services involved in planning and delivering activities at the picnics agreed that they were beneficial for the community. The test site has facilitated the transitional process from test site development workers organising and arranging to local services now working cooperatively together to deliver events.

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References Dundee City Council (2012) Citizen Survey 2011 Stobswell Report Dundee: Dundee City Council Dundee Partnership (2011) For fairness in Dundee A Strategy for Challenging Poverty and Promoting Inclusion in Dundee Consultation Draft Dundee: Dundee City Council Friedli L (2009) Mental health, wellbeing and the natural environment: a briefing for Dundee Equally Well Dundee Friedli L (2010) Dundee Equally Well Community Consultation Report Dundee Friedli L and McMahon S (2012) Community Consultation: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report One Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L with Carlin M (2009) Resilient relationships in the North West: what can the public sector contribute? Manchester: NHS North West http://www.wmrdc.org.uk/silo/files/resilient-relationships-in-the-north-west-1.pdf Mair C, Zdeb K and Markie K (2011) Making better places: making places better: the distribution of positive and negative outcomes in Scotland Improvement Services Mitchell R & Popham F (2008) ʻEffect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population studyʼ The Lancet 272(9650), 1655-1660. ODS Consulting (2011) Equally Well Test Sites: Evaluation http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5342.aspx. Scottish Government (2008) Equally Well: Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities Edinburgh Solar Cities (2011) Community Carbon Exchange Toolkit www.solarcitiesscotland.org.uk Wimbush E and Mulherin T (2010) A Results-Based Performance Framework for Dundee Equally Well Test Site and StobsWELLbeing Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh Business School

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Appendix one: Outcomes from the survey of service providers (11/08/2011) The online survey was completed by eight service providers who were involved in providing activities for Picnics in the Park. The findings reflect their views on the effectiveness of, and their willingness to, continue with the picnics. Q1: Asked participants what they were hoping to achieve from participating in the picnics. Services generally suggested their objective was to promote their services and engage with the community (Table 1). Table: 1 Reasons for taking part

Q2: Asked respondents if they achieved what they had hoped, half (4) said yes, 2 said no and 3 stated their aims were partially achieved. Participants were given the opportunity to explain their choice (Table 2) Overall, services found the picnics were a good way of engaging with the community in an informal manner to deliver their service objectives. Table2: Explanation

To provide a free play opportunity for children in a park setting and to promote the work of the

project.

Community engagement and the promotion of Home Fire safety Visits and the importance of having a

working smoke alarm within homes.

Get families more active and promote what activities are available in their area.

A Community Engagement event that would bring enough people to the park to consult with on the

new local community plan

Make contact with Adults through the Family Activities who live in the Maryfield ward

Main aim was to offer activities to local residents and engage with parents regarding adult learning

opportunities in the area

The Ranger Service took part in these events as part of the StobsWellbeing Project and was keen to

help promote the site and project.

Some contact with 'new' people from the area, providing the basis for on-going development.

Plenty of people attending but not all from the Maryfield area

Because it was a wet day & activities were inside I made contact with a number of adults through the activities we had on offer for the children. Parents were there to help their children and gave an opportunity to promote the work we do. Limited numbers I think from the Maryfield Ward but handed

out our AL newsletter which covers our programme for the whole of the city.

Most of the adults in attendance were attracted by activities on offer on the day and often left their children to participate alone so not allowing an opportunity for adult learning staff to speak with them and promote adult learning activities

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Q3: When asked how useful the picnics were, 50% thought they were very useful and 50% felt they were moderately useful. Q4: Respondents were then asked whether there were any challenges involved in their participation in the picnics, 5 felt there were no challenges or issues, however, 3 felt there were issues associated with participation (Table 3). Table 3: Challenges

Q5: The next question asked whether there were any cost implications for their services, 50% said yes, and 50% said no. When asked to explain their choice they suggested the costs for materials used in activities. Q6: Asked who covered the costs of their involvement and 2 said the test site, and 3 their organisation (3 respondents skipped this question). Q7: Participants were asked whether they would continue with the picnics, 100% of respondents said they were willing to be involved in future picnics. Q8: When asked what support they would need in order to contribute to future picnics 4 suggested a co-ordinator and 3 opted for support from management (2 respondents skipped this question). When asked to explain their choice the following was suggested; • Prior notice • Discussion about things to be achieved Q9: Asked about the practicalities of sharing information and how the respondents would like to receive information in the future, 6 suggested email and 2 suggested meetings. Q10: Asked about the importance of the test site in making the picnics happened, 3 said test site was very important, 3 said quite a lot of importance and 1 said it was not very important (one respondent skipped this question). Participants felt the test site provided the following; • Co-ordination of services • Provided information about place and events

Activities for sports were weather permitting.

As we are a team of two people it was a challenge making sure one of us was available to attend all

sessions

Only comment I would like to make is knowing whether it needs 1 or 2 Team members on the day Holidays play a part in whether this is possible. On sunny days 2 members of the Team would be useful so one could do the activities & the other to hand out info & newsletters if the parents/carers choose to sit in the sunshine & not participate in the activity with their child. On a wet day when numbers are

lower one staff member is enough. Above isn't an issue but just wanted to note my thoughts.

Staff availability was an issue as some of the workers are on annual leave during this period of time

On days with few providers we felt that there was quite alot of pressure on our stall. This was

particularly true on wet days.

Time, unpredictability of the weather, limited clarity about their purpose.

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Q11: When asked what they think is needed to ensure the picnics continue once the test site has ended, participants suggested the following: Table 4: Suggestions

Appendix two - Parentʼs reflections 2010 picnics 8th, 15th, 22nd July The picnics were held in Baxter Park over the summer months of 2010. Evaluation forms were returned from three of the four events (8th N = 22) 15th and 22nd (N = 24) July, 2010. 46 parents give their opinions and perceptions of the Picnics including 2 returning no comment. Parents were asked: What have you enjoyed about today? Is there anything you haven't enjoyed? Would you take part in similar events in the Stobswell Community? What kind of events would you like to see? Would you like to be involved in organising future events? The majority of parents enjoyed the different range of activities in which their children were able to participate (table 1).

More contribution from other agencies

A commitment from all agencies attending previously to attend and support future events if they are to

continue.

A co-ordinator or co-ordinating group. If the latter, meetings would be better to sort out who is doing what. Funding as not all organisations would cover from existing budgets I don't think, also to cover

publicity costs & there may be others I've missed.

Someone to take charge of the organisation for future events

Someone to continue to organise the sessions and arrange providers. A variety of providers is essential

to keep up public interest. A better wet weather alternative to draw people out in all weathers.

Someone to take on co-ordination

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Table 1: What parents enjoyed about the day

When parents were asked what kind of events they would like to see, a number of suggestions were made. The main difference between the two picnics was that parents at the picnic on the 15th of July requested more activities for toddlers (table 2). Table 2: Suggestions for future events

At both picnics parents agreed that they would like to take part in future events (8th = 20 parents and the 15th = 21 parents). In addition, eight parents said they would like to be involved in organising future events (8th =3 & 15th =5). Two parents suggested sending information to their nursery. “We would like it if our nursery could get information we could join onto.” 2011 picnics

8 July N=20 Example 15/22 July N=24 Example

Activities for

kids

15 Kids enjoyed the stick picture crafts with the Countryside

Rangers

Activities for

kids

10 The children really enjoyed the sports activities such as dodge

ball, and parachute activities

Fun thing to

do

2 Spending time with the kids watching them

have fun

Fun thing to

do

5 It’s kept the kids happy and they

have learnt new things

Weather 1 The Sun Weather 4 The weather has been good mak-

ing it great day for the kids

Misc 2 Yes – a cup of tea

in the cafe

Meeting new

people

1 Meeting new people and my daughter enjoyed it too!

8th July N=

16

Example 15th July N=16 Example

More of the

same

5 More like today! Activities for

toddlers

7 Things for young children

Sports/dancing/

team games

3 Football games and dancing for

the girls

More sports 5 More ball games

More crafts 3 More arts and

crafts

More crafts 2 Games, puppet show, face painting

Stalls & Raffles 2 Raffles/stalls etc. Any activities 2 Any activities would be good

Educational

things for kids

2 Things to educate the kids

about the park

Karate 1 Karate

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Parents were approached at the picnics to gauge their opinion of the event (N=15). They were asked four questions – one closed and three open response questions: • Rate their satisfaction with the picnics on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = very bad and 10 = very good) (Table 2) • Why they had attended the picnics • What they had gained from their attendance • Any suggestions for ways to improve the picnics. Table 2 illustrates parentsʼ satisfaction with the picnics, the majority of parents rated the picnics as a 10, however, 2 parents failed to register any score. No parents marked the picnics below mid-point. The results suggest that for this group of parents the picnics were beneficial. Table2: Parentʼs self-report satisfaction ratings Parents were asked for their reasons in attending the picnics, table 3 categorises their responses. The responses fell into four readily identifiable groups. There was an even split between those respondents who suggested it was a fun thing to do and those who suggested it was an opportunity to meet friends. Table 3: Reasons for attending picnics

Parents were asked to suggest what they had gained from the picnics. The majority suggested entertainment for the kids, with the second most popular answer as the opportunity to meet with other parents. One respondent received practical help on fire safety for their flat. Table 4: Explanations on what was gained from attending picnics

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 9

Why have you come along

today

N =

15

Example

Fun thing to do 5 I was here the first day and it was magic

Day out 1 Day out for the kids

Meet friends 5 To meet friends and do something different and free

Entertain kids 3 To amuse the kids

Total 14 1 person came to picnics because of the community artist

What have you got from the picnics? N=15 Example

Entertainment for the kids 9 Good fun, kids enjoyed the art activities

Information 1 Information & fire check on my flat

Chance to meet with other parents 3 Chatting to other parents and children

Total 13 2 comments were difficult to categorise for example: nice ladies, nothing had food in house son not eat much

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When asked whether the picnics could be improved the majority of respondents felt there was nothing that could be improved about the picnics apart from the weather. Other suggestions included providing refreshments and musical exercise class. Table 5: Suggestions for improvement

Equally Well Evaluation Reports Friedli L and McMahon S (2012) Community Consultation: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report One Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L, Themessl-Huber M and Butchart M (2012) Outreach in Stobswell: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report Two Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L and Butchart M with Themessl-Huber M (2012) Mental Health Literacy: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report Three Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L, Themessl-Huber M and Butchart M (2012) Sources of Support: Social Prescribing in Maryfield. Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report Four Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L and Butchart M with Themessl-Huber M (2012) Picnics in the Park: Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well Report Five Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative Friedli L, Themessl-Huber M and Butchart M (2012) Evaluation of Dundee Equally Well: Final Report Dundee: Dundee Healthy Living Initiative

Can picnics be improved? N=15 Example

Not really 7 No, we are having a fantastic time, thank you!

Weather 4 Sunshine please!!!

Provide refreshments 2 Refreshments for adults, tea, coffee etc.

Music 1 Music playing/dancing like an exercise class

Total 14 1 person failed to answer this question

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Structure of the Equally Well test site

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Appendix three - Map of Stobswell

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