Previous Research

Barnwood Trust has always been committed to understanding the impact of its work and to using that learning in ways that will benefit disabled people and people with mental health challenges living in the county.

In recent years, this has included carrying out research to understand the impact of the Trust’s grant-giving (both to individuals and organisations), the impact of particular programmes of work (including asset-based community development), and the impact of the Trust’s learning events.

Recent reports include:

Building Community Capacity and Resilience

This research involved a two-year collaboration between Barnwood Trust, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucester City Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. This collaboration sought to evaluate the impact of community building activity (informed by the principles of asset-based community development) in two Gloucester City wards, looking at both the impact for local residents and the process of community building itself. Key learning for stakeholders was also documented in the report.

Please click here to view more information about the study, including the Building Community Capacity and Resilience report

Investing in Community Groups

This research explored the impact of small grants to community groups (known as Small Sparks grants) for group members which include disabled people and people with mental health challenges living in Gloucestershire.

Please click here to view the Investing in Community Groups report.

Community Building Storyboards

As part of our research into community building, Barnwood Trust has collaborated with residents from local communities and illustrator Karl Whiteley to bring to life stories of involvement in Gloucestershire communities. You can view the storyboards and learn more about the process of creating them here:

https://www.barnwoodtrust.org/blog/stories-significant-change/

https://www.barnwoodtrust.org/blog/art-community-building/