“Servicio Comunitario”. Multi-component pilot programme for environmental prevention. Effectiveness evaluation phase
Year:
2022-2023
Funded by:
Main Objective:
To conduct the effectiveness evaluation phase of the Servicio Comunitario programme for the prevention of harm related to alcohol and other drugs.
Summary:
The Servicio Comunitario programme is a Multicomponent Pilot Programme for Environmental Prevention. The goal of the “Effectiveness Evaluation Phase” was to assess the programme’s impact in achieving its primary aim: preventing harm associated with alcohol and other drugs within the nightlife context in the intervention area.
At a quantitative level, a new wave of surveys was collected and analysed, complemented by a post-intervention evaluation using the “mystery shopper” method. This involved two professional actors simulating high levels of intoxication while visiting a random sample of venues. The surveys aimed to measure perceived year-on-year changes among nightlife users in the intervention area, focusing on experiences such as being served alcohol while visibly intoxicated. Similarly, the mystery shopper technique was used to assess post-intervention compliance within nightlife establishments. Both methods were designed to measure outcomes directly related to the programme’s objectives.
At a qualitative level, the SWOT analysis technique (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) was applied to gather insights from key stakeholders involved in harm prevention. This process involved summarising and reviewing discussions with local police, the UCO and GAMA units, government representatives and technical staff, the Equality Department of the intervention city’s council, and nightlife professionals.
The ultimate aim of the programme’s validation is to establish an integrated harm prevention initiative recognised within the EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) Best Practices Portal.
Keywords:
Effectiveness, evidence, evaluation, alcohol, environmental prevention, community, harm reduction, gender.
