The evaluation
The purpose of the evaluation was to explore the extent to which the planned short-term outcomes were achieved within the pilot areas. PSYV partners had developed a logic model with specified outcomes, which the evaluation reviewed. These are:
1- Increased involvement of young people in structured pro-social and healthy activities
2-Increased opportunities for young people to develop interests and skills
3- Increased participation and positive outcomes for difficult to engage and equalities groups
4- Greater confidence and self-esteem among young people and other community members
5- There is increased community interaction
6- Increased participation in positive community-based activity
7- Young people develop aspirations for further learning and development
The findings are therefore reported under the following themes:
Attitudes to police (Outcome 5)
Impact on learning outcomes, capacities and skills (Outcomes 2 & 6)
Active citizenship and volunteering (Outcomes 1, 3 & 4)
Transitions into adulthood (Outcome 7)
Overall experience and wellbeing (All outcomes)
Impact on adult volunteers (No outcome)
The respondents
Here is some background information about the respondents:
Youth Volunteers
- There were 61 youth respondents (50.8% of the total number of recruits);
- Less than two-thirds were girls;
- Three quarters were aged 14 & 15;
- More than a quarter were from Ayrshire. The lowest proportion (9%) were from Aberdeen.
- 14% were from an ethnic minority background; and
- 23% fit with one or more of the identified at risk criteria – 11% have parents that are not working or have a low income; 5% have been victims of crime, only a small handful have truanted from school.
Adult Leaders
- 17 (46%) responses were received from a maximum potential of 37 adults;
- The majority (94%) were female;
- 57% are aged 16-34;
- All but one are of White British/Scottish ethnic origin; and
- The majority (53.4%) were recruited as a result of knowing someone in the police or working in the police service; a third (30.8%) responded directly to advertising and less than a quarter (23.1%) found out through word of mouth.
Assuming these samples are representative, there is potential to target more participants fitting 'at risk' criteria and to recruit volunteers from among parents or through local volunteer centres.