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.