The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of the planning and implementation stages of project development among the managers of 142 projects set up since 1997 under the auspices of the Local Drugs Task Forces. 142 of 220 projects were chosen for evaluation using specific criteria. The main method of data collection was a detailed, face-to-face structured interview with the manager of each project. The fieldwork was conducted over a three month period by a panel of 13 evaluators, and interviews typically took about three to four hours to carry out. On the basis of the data obtained in the interview and any supporting written materials, the evaluators prepared an individual report for each project. When all the data across all the projects was collected, the PRC team checked and coded all the interview schedules. Qualitative analyses were carried out on all open-ended questions.

The findings show that projects are providing a very wide range of activities and reaching a large number of people. Project managers perceive that they are meeting the needs of the community, and despite difficulties relating to premises, staffing and funding, two-thirds of the projects appear to have delivered what they set out to do. The findings also clearly show that community involvement is a significant element of the projects. It was also concluded that projects need support in addressing the concerns that have arisen, and in facing the challenges of the future. While increases and changes in the funding system are needed, support is also needed in the form of reliable data, guidance and training to enable capacity building, access to research expertise and networking opportunities. The LDTFs are clearly a critical source for provision of these different supports.