Gateshead Community Cohesion Strategy 2026 to 2031
Monitoring and evaluation
People told us they want to see action, not just plans. Progress will be monitored through clear, meaningful measures focussed on safety, fairness, visibility, and trust.
We will publish regular updates, be open about what is working and what is not, and adjust our approach where progress is slow.
Monitoring will include trends in crime and anti-social behaviour, resident perceptions of safety and pride, access to services, response times, participation in community activity, youth engagement, and support for local leadership.
Progress will be reviewed quarterly by the Community Cohesion Group, reported twice yearly to the Safer Gateshead Partnership, and shared publicly each year.
Key monitoring areas:
Priority 1. Build stronger community connections
We will focus on:
- participation in local events, activities, and shared spaces
- resident feedback on pride in neighbourhoods and local environment
- community-led projects supported or delivered
- use and condition of community spaces
What success looks like:
- more people taking part locally
- improved perceptions of neighbourhoods
- increased community-led activity
Priority 2. Fair access and trust in services
We will focus on:
- satisfaction with council and partner services across different communities
- access to services for people facing barriers, including digital exclusion, disability, language or related to an individual's protected characteristics.
- response times to enquiries and complaints
- feedback on fairness and consistency
What success looks like:
- fewer complaints about lack of response
- improved satisfaction with how decisions are explained
- reduced gaps in access to services
Priority 3. Support local leadership and community action
We will focus on:
- number of grassroots groups supported or funded
- participation in co-production and local decision-making
- case studies of community-led impact
What success looks like:
- more residents involved in shaping local action
- stronger local leadership
- communities taking ownership of solutions
Priority 4. Support young people to shape safer communities
We will focus on:
- youth participation in local decision-making forums
- engagement with schools, colleges and youth organisations
- feedback from young people on their sense of belonging and opportunity
- trends in youth-related anti-social behaviour
What success looks like:
- increased youth engagement
- reduced harmful behaviour
- stronger relationships between young people, services, and communities
Priority 5. Promote safety, respect, and shared responsibility
We will focus on:
- reported hate crimes or anti-social behaviour trends, including harassment and violence affecting women and girls
- repeat incidents involving the same individuals or locations
- community perceptions of safety, including the experiences of women and girls and other groups who may feel less safe in public spaces
- timeliness and visibility of response to community tensions
What success looks like:
- fewer repeat incidents
- faster, more consistent responses
- increased confidence among residents that they feel safe, supported, and that issues are taken seriously
Review process
- annual review of progress by the Community Cohesion Group
- half-yearly reporting to Safer Gateshead Partnership Board
- full mid-term review in 2027 to update priorities and actions where applicable