Monitoring and evaluation

is a phrase that causes even the most diligent of us to experience that sinking feeling with thoughts of statistics, identification of outputs and outcomes (and the difference between the two!).  However, the process is essential for the success of any organisation or service…. indeed even the bible tells us ‘test everything and hold fast to what is good’ (1 Thes 5:21).

A Way Out has been continually monitoring the delivery of our Liberty and Blossom Services adjusting and adapting support to ensure that we are meeting the real needs and issues of our clients and effecting positive change.  This month we held two important Evaluation Events sharing our findings with partner agencies to raise awareness and advocate for the specific and often unique needs of the women we support – ie young women at-risk of exploitation, and women whose lives have already been impacted by historic trauma which has directed their entry into survival sex work.

The evaluation depicts A Way Out’s clients as remarkably resilient women, for many daily survival demands a huge degree of personal strength.  A Way Out’s approach is trauma informed and asset based – we ‘test everything and hold fast to what is good’ – A Way Out acts as a ‘critical adult’ supporting the women to identify negatives, and recognise, embrace and employ their inner abilities and strengths, focusing upon positive attributes to ensure confident future hope.  The evaluation results show clearly the effectiveness of the support provided by our Liberty and Blossom services which is best described in the words of the clients themselves – 

‘I love coming here, I was sick of my life, coming to A Way Out is great' 

'I had no confidence, I felt incapable – not now though because of Blossom – the work we do, learning new things, seeing things from different perspectives'  

'the service has made such a difference to my life, honestly, I’m a different person'

To support our work either by volunteering or fundraising, please go to www.awayout.co.uk or contact info@awayout.co.uk / 01642 655071.

Graduation Time

With graduation ceremonies taking place across the country, A Way Out’s Liberty Service held its own graduation for women attending our drop-in who completed a 6-week Empowerment Programme. 

The drop-in specifically supports vulnerable women facing a range of difficulties and circumstances and this intensive programme focussed specifically upon boosting self-esteem and strengthening the ‘inner adult’ through identifying personal strengths and assets. 

The programme began by mapping individual timelines, focussing upon past, present and future.  The women acquired skills in cooking with ‘store cupboard staples’ – one successful graduate commented, ‘I always thought that eating healthy was too expensive’ but with newly acquired knowledge and skills this has now become part of her everyday life.

Alongside self-empowerment activities, the programme also focussed upon the needs of others experienced through the benefits of peer support and raised awareness on specific issues such as women lost to honour based violence. 

A session entitled ‘Beautiful Minds’ encouraged women to identify and speak out five beautiful things about themselves, for some, due to past experiences and trauma, this was one of the most difficult sessions.  The women then identified five beautiful things to do for others and reported back the following week.

The programme concluded with goal planning incorporating strategies to overcome personally identified obstacles such as breathing techniques to assist in anxious situations.

At the graduation celebration many women feedback improved mental health since attending the programmme and identified future aspirations including the hope of gaining food hygiene and first aid qualifications.  A Way Out’s Liberty team have sprung into action arranging for these courses to take place in the coming months.

The success of the programme could not have been achieved without volunteer support and essential food donations – for which the women who took part are extremely grateful.

If you would like to know more about the work of A Way Out please go to www.awayout.co.uk, or contact 01642 655071 or info@awayout.co.uk.