53. Gathering Voices: Collecting Feedback from Youth and the Community

Feedback is the lifeblood of effective detached youth work. By actively seeking and listening to the perspectives of young people and the wider community, Christian youth workers can gain valuable insights into the impact of their work, identify areas for improvement, and ensure their efforts are truly meeting the needs of those they serve. Here are some effective ways to gather feedback.

From Young People

• Informal Conversations: Engage in open and honest conversations with young people during your outreach sessions. Ask them about their experiences, what they find helpful or challenging, and any suggestions they have for improvement.
• Surveys and Questionnaires: Develop simple surveys or questionnaires that young people can complete anonymously. Use a mix of open-ended and closed questions to gather both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Focus Groups: Facilitate focus group discussions with small groups of young people to encourage in-depth conversations and explore their perspectives in more detail.
• Creative Expression: Offer opportunities for young people to express their feedback through creative mediums like art, music, or writing. This can be particularly effective for those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts verbally.

From the Community

• Community Meetings: Organise community meetings or forums where residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders can share their observations and perspectives on the detached youth work being done in their area.
• Online Surveys and Feedback Forms: Create online surveys or feedback forms that community members can access and complete easily. Promote these through social media, local newsletters, or community noticeboards.
• Collaboration with Partner Organisations: Seek feedback from schools, police, social services, and other organisations that work with young people in the community. Their insights can provide valuable context and highlight potential areas for collaboration.

Key Considerations

• Accessibility: Ensure feedback mechanisms are accessible and inclusive, catering to young people with diverse needs and communication styles.
• Confidentiality: Assure young people and community members that their feedback will be treated confidentially and respectfully.
• Transparency: Clearly communicate how feedback will be used to improve services and inform future planning.
• Regularity: Gather feedback on a regular basis to track progress and identify emerging trends or concerns.
• Action and Response: Demonstrate that feedback is valued by taking action on suggestions and communicating any changes or improvements made as a result.

Benefits of Gathering Feedback

• Improved Services: Feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring services are tailored to the needs of young people and the community.
• Increased Engagement: Actively seeking feedback demonstrates a commitment to listening and responding, fostering trust and encouraging greater engagement with young people.
• Enhanced Accountability: Gathering feedback promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that detached youth work initiatives are effective and impactful.
• Community Collaboration: Feedback from the community can strengthen partnerships and foster a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for supporting young people.

By prioritising feedback and actively listening to the voices of young people and the community, Christian detached youth workers can ensure their efforts are relevant, impactful, and truly transformative. Remember, feedback is not just about collecting information; it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and working together to create a brighter future for young people.