ROCKET SCIENCE RESEARCH PROJECT

Between 2021 and 2023 we teamed up with Rocket Science with the aim to evaluate and understand the impact that open-access youth work for 13-18 year olds. Focussing on our Seniors activity, this report highlights the impact youth work has on young people’s lives and what The Avenues Youth Project does to ensure young people are resilient, confident, and have a toolkit of coping mechanisms to draw upon when challenges arise.

EVALUATION OF THE AVENUES YOUTH PROJECT SENIORS PROGRAMME BY ROCKET SCIENCE

The Rocket Science team held consultation interviews and a focus group with The Avenues staff and young people. Staff were consulted about the development and features of the Seniors Programme and provided feedback on how the Rocket Science team could best facilitate engagement with staff and young people throughout the evaluation. Regular attendees of the Seniors programme took part in workshops which allowed them to get to know the Rocket Science team and the purpose of the work, describe their overall involvement with and perception of The Avenues, and explain what would work best for them in terms of engagement throughout the evaluation.

RESULT HIGHLIGHTS

The evaluation research questions were framed around the four of our organisational outcomes already measured across The Avenues more widely, specifically;

  • Improved social and emotional skills 
  • Positive relationships with others 
  • Better able to make positive life choices 
  • Feeling safe and respected

We are pleased to report the results of the research were brilliant. The research identified several key areas of personal development in members, these include:

An improvement in general confidence
An increase in the ability to open-up about feelings, personal issues, or challenges.
A development in communication skills
The growth of strong, trusting relationships with peers and staff
Increased feelings of safety within The Avenues
Soft and hard skill development
Ability to try new things without fear of embarrassment or association with failure
Culture of openness and encouragement
Comfort, a family feeling, and the ‘second home’ atmosphere The Avenues provides

83% of the 13-18 year olds surveyed felt comfortable being themselves as a result of attending Avenues

73% of young people surveyed felt that they were able to challenge negative influences

80% of respondents felt that The Avenues supported them, had positive impacts on their wellbeing, their ability to make good choices

THE FULL REPORT

 

Read the full EVALUATION OF THE AVENUES YOUTH PROJECT SENIORS’ PROGRAMME report including findings and testimonials here.

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