Measuring our impact
We are passionate about robustly measuring the impact Element projects have. As part of the Project Oracle Arts Cohort we have reached Validated Standard 1 of Evidence. Our evaluation plan incorporates a combination of quantitative and qualitative data.
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QUANTITATIVE
We use a self efficacy scale developed using psychologist Albert Bandura’s guidelines, to measure changes in young people’s self perceived confidence, creativity, social skills and positive sense of identity.
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INDICATORS
Our facilitators use the Skills Builder Framework to observe young people’s achievements, using the numbered indicators for ‘Aiming High’, ‘Speaking’, and ‘Creativity’.
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GOALSETTING
We use the WOOP framework to set individual goals with each young person before a project starts. At the end of a project these are reviewed and expanded, and then revisited again 3 months later. This allows us to track whether young people are achieving the outcomes that are most important to them.
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QUALITATIVE FEEDBACK
We collect qualitative feedback from young people to ensure we have a holistic view of their experience of the projects, and to incorporate their suggestions into our work going forward.
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FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
After a project we monitor which participants have been connected to an opportunity through the Element network, and how many young people have participated in a paid work opportunity with the Element team.
IMPACT SO FAR
355
young people have attended a workshop so far
100%
of participants said they would recommend Element to a friend
88%
of participants maintained or increased their score for feeling positive about the future
100%
were proud of what they had achieved with Element
21
paid work experience opportunities have been offered to care leavers in the network
81
care leavers have engaged with a post project opportunity through the Element network
“Before going into Element things were very difficult: I was struggling with the idea of socialising with other people. However from the beginning I felt at ease and loved spending time with some amazing staff and young people. Element really helped me build confidence in speaking in front of people and presenting my work (which I’ve never done previously). I wouldn’t be where I am today if it
wasn’t for them.”
“I think I’ve realised that everyone can be creative. Yeah, before I thought it was like, when I thought of creative people, I thought about people who went to art school but now I’ve realised that everyone’s creative. Even me.”
“It’s been awesome to be part of a group and it’s been awesome making new friends, I just wanted to say that I feel like I’ve got a little stronger, since this project and generally, it’s helped me express myself and I’ve really enjoyed it. Thank you for everything and being really understanding and helping me it has meant a lot to me!”
“It helped me with my confidence and getting to meet new people, and the staff were easy to talk to. I liked writing and loved photography and I learn some new things with the puppetry and the acting. I learnt that when I put my mind to something I can actually accomplish it. I can speak in front of a crowd of people and not get too nervous. It was surprisingly easy to present at the showcase, doing the group work built up my confidence for it and helped me to get to that point. It actually really helps people’s self esteem and encourages them to do things and get out there!”
“Now I’ve actually created something in front of people… I wouldn’t normally do that you know, design something, and because I’ve designed something in that space, I thought I can’t share with other people but now that something like this has come along... I’ve basically drawn, painted, created art in front of people that I don’t even know and that’s actually given me confidence.”
To hear more feedback about the projects from young people check out our video on the homepage.
Want to host an Element Project?
To enquire about hosting one of our projects, to find out about bespoke packages and pricing, or just to chat, get in touch!
