The Services for Young People (SfYP) annual user survey, which ran from January to March 2024, gathered feedback from 662 young people aged 11-25 who used our services in the previous 12 months.
92% rated our services 7 out of 10 or higher (up from 78% in 2023) and 48% gave a score of 10 out of 10 (up from 39% in 2023). The results and feedback show that the support provided by SfYP is of increasing benefit, making a real difference to young people’s lives and helping them to feel safer, more confident, and ready for the future.
The majority (77%) of respondents were aged 13 to 16 and 26% had special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The feedback included the views of young people from 19 different ethnic groups and backgrounds. More young people completed the survey compared with 2023, and the number and diversity of the young people who shared their experiences make the results invaluable in helping us develop our services to meet the changing needs of young people.
SfYP youth work projects
“They have provided me with a safe place where I can be myself. They welcome me and make sure I feel comfortable in the environment. This project has given me so much and the staff they have all helped so much.”
The satisfaction ratings for all aspects of SfYP youth work projects have increased compared with those given by young people completing the survey in 2023.
Most young people who completed the survey had taken part in a youth work project, including many who attend our projects for young people with SEND. When asked why the support they received had such a positive impact, young people told us that they are safe spaces where they can meet new people, learn new skills and take part in activities. They said that they enjoyed the projects and that attending a project has had a positive influence on their mental health and made them feel happier overall. They also said that projects supported their social and emotional development and improved their ability to communicate effectively with others.
Young people gave positive feedback about SfYP staff, for being supportive, kind and considerate of their culture, community and identity. They felt the information, resources, and advice given made them feel more confident as they transition into adulthood. 94% of project participants agreed that SfYP Youth Workers were approachable, listened to their ideas and supported them to take part. An impressive 86% felt that taking part in a project had helped them make positive choices.
Feedback from young people who received one-to-one support from a Youth Worker was also extremely positive, with 92% feeling informed about services which could help them, and over 89% confirming that the support given met their needs. As a result of discussions with a Youth Worker, young people felt they were more likely to make positive changes, from being more engaged with their education to improving their behaviour and relationships with others.
One young person said:
“The Youth Workers are always here to support me with anything. My mental health, support with my education and general advice.”
Careers education, information, advice and guidance from an SfYP Adviser
“ SfYP Advisers are very good at helping people to find out what they want to do next and give them all the information they need.”
93% of young people who received employment, education or careers guidance felt that their interaction with SfYP Advisers was important in helping them focus on their future goals and 86% felt that their discussions motivated them to pursue their next steps and be ambitious in their education or career, or in developing their personal and employability skills.
Young people also commented on the value of work experience in preparing them for the future, with over 75% of young people who had taken part in work experience feeling that it helped them consider future career and training options and improved their understanding of the working world.
Find out more about the support SfYP provides for young people in Hertfordshire.
