Forest of Dean Youth Workers’ Network

Forest of Dean Youth Workers’ Network Survey 2013 results

32 groups have completed their membership forms for 2013 – 2014. (Last year we had 41) 21 completed the survey.

Question 1: Why did your group join the Network, and what do you get from it? (not all groups answered this – here are a selection of the answers) • To raise awareness and improve links with other youth based activities in support of enhancing youth provisions within the Forest District. • From the network we can access support, information and training. With accurate and updated resources and local reference. • Raise awareness of services, network,identify partners to deliver activities. • To get other information from groups, Swap Shop is great idea. Training. • To work more closely with other youth services providers in the locality, building stronger relationships, sharing skills and resources to be able to do more for young people across the area … access to affordable and interesting training • Joined group as info and courses are always good.

Question 2: How often do you look at the Network's website?... … and what do you use it for?

Question 3: How often do you look at the Youth Forum’s website?... … and what do you use it for?

Question 4: Do you know of any young people who might be interested in joining NAT as a volunteer?

Question 5: Would your group like some support from NAT? If yes, tick all relevant boxes.

Question 6: Do you feel that the Swap Shop has broadened the opportunities available to your group?

Comments from the Swap Shop question: • We have so far struggled to provide resources to put into the Swap Shop but are working on this and hope to do so in future. • Personally I am not a fan of Swap Shops, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't happen. • The recent Swap Shop event our young people took part in was great. They got a lot out of taking part and I'm sure we'll be looking to arrange another one soon. • Our members thoroughly enjoyed the circus skills workshop - it made a complete change from what we usually do and was a lovely way to finish the term. • It enabled me to 'think outside the box'. I looked at what was available and undertook swaps which created two new opportunities for our members we would not otherwise have been able to offer. • It’s good to know there are like minded people out there that can support and can ask for support from us • Brill for big group stuff

Question 7: Are you satisfied with the training which has been offered to member groups so far in 2012-13? Please answer 'yes' or 'no', and if not why not. • Comments from the training question: • Offer was OK, some of our young people not ready, others have moved on, so not able to take up. • The only training I have accessed was the event planning session… which was good • Weekend trainings and evenings are good • Useful and diverse - often offered at a realistic cost for member organisations

Question 8: Do you have contact with any young people who might be interested in attending on Youth Forum on a Thursday evening once a fortnight?

Question 9: The Network is considering a new project to find placements for local young volunteers (aged up to 25). Would your group be interested in taking on new young volunteers? Also, do you know of young people who may be interested in volunteering? • Here are some of the comments: • No sorry we already struggle to place our own young people • We would need to consider confidentiality due to the issues we deal with… but we would consider any volunteer applicant • Would need to discuss their interests, but yes we are happy to have young people involved • Yes. We already have a large core of volunteers, but are always looking for more! • Yesto volunteers

Question 10: Would your group be interested in training around hosting and supporting young volunteers, and if so, what? • Here are some of the comments: • Probably not. Have fairly good systems in place and senior leaders have very little time. • No, we do our volunteer training in-house • Yesto training a volunteer • Yes possibly, I would need to know more • Would need to explore further depending on the area of interest

Forest of Dean Youth Workers’ Network