Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP) is about to start the second phase of its evaluation of the StreetGames project in Cornwall on behalf of LEAPActive (part of Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust). LEAPactive works in partnership with the StreetGames- the national charity which helps local projects deliver doorstep sport to disadvantaged communities. It will provide and assess evidence of its impact, information and endorsements for inclusion in future business plans and/or funding applications for the next financial year.

Since its introduction in 2003, StreetGames has demonstrated its ability to increase participation in sporting, dance and cultural activities by young people and young adults in disadvantaged areas. There is growing evidence of its positive impact on the social capacity and community infrastructure of run down and neglected housing estates, making sport accessible to everyone regardless of income and social circumstances.

Developing activity in rural areas, such as Cornwall can be difficult, particularly where there is poor public transport infrastructure and limited participant numbers. ‘Doorstep sport' that responds to the needs of local people and is independent of the traditional controls and requirements of more regulated sports, can be one way of overcoming these problems. LEAPActive is doing this, providing StreetGames activities across 45 sites in Cornwall.

KKP's well-informed 360 degree evaluation will assess the impact of the project and consider the individual elements of the overall programme, highlighting issues related to each and identifying areas of best practice.

This is an area in which the Company specialises and which build upon its reputation for in-depth investigation, incisiveness and integrity. The sport, physical activity and health sectors are under increasing pressure to demonstrate impact on people's lifestyles, health and well-being and, linked directly to this, the value in the context of wider political and social agendas.

The KKP team has successfully delivered detailed and constructive evaluations of a range of programmes at all levels from national initiatives such as TASS and School Club Links to local schemes such as the Triple S Programme in Sandwell, West Midlands (which was created to encourage and enable more people living in Sandwell to take part in sport and physical activity, with an emphasis on engaging children and young people).

For more information, contact Jonathan Woods, Principal Consultant - jonathan.woods@kkp.co.uk