Impact is not just measuring static outcomes from a project, it’s something to strive for, something that changes with the needs of a community, that gives meaning to the work that we all do. Impact is brought to life through the stories of local people and an understanding that goes beyond numbers.
I work closely with clients to develop impact frameworks and develop engagement methods and data metrics that capture the full breadth of how places and organisations are testing and trialing, supporting and improving.
Mary-Helen didn’t just develop strategies – she rolled up her sleeves and delivered results. From facilitating workshops and leading stakeholder engagement to supporting business activation, her work has had a tangible and lasting impact.
Michelle Rankin, Assistant Director – Economy & Skills, Royal Borough of Greenwich
Greenwich High Streets For All
I produced the successful GLA High Streets for All bid for Greenwich Town Centre, securing funding for town centre stakeholders to rethink the Woolwich experience and make it more welcoming to residents.
Working with partners including Visit Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Royal Museums Greenwich, and Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency, we developed interventions around micro-cultural programming and regular activation of public realm, off-season festivals targeting residents, and carving out space for more diverse uses in the town centre at night.
My evaluation showed a 50% increase in town centre visitors on activation days with an additional 9,000 town centre visitors for the Lunar New Year festival in 2023.
Woolwich Night Time Enterprise Zone
I secured funding for the Woolwich Night Time Enterprise Zone from the GLA in 2022 and led the evaluation of the year-long pilot programme. Delivered with partners including GDIF, Tramshed, and Berkeley Homes, the programme activated Woolwich town centre and riverside with 29 events, engaging nearly 13,000 people and building the Woolwich Lates brand.
The evaluation combined data analysis and stakeholder engagement to assess impact and recommend long-term strategies for inclusive night-time placemaking, laying the groundwork for a borough-wide strategy and stakeholder working groups.