1. The SOUL Record TM Measuring the Immeasurable Liz Loftus Involve Youth Services Development Worker Sandra Hennigan Co-ordinator, Ballina Youth Project

2. By the end of this session you will: Know what soft outcomes are Know how they can be measured Have heard some examples of its practice

3. What is The SOUL Record? The SOUL Record is a flexible toolkit offering an effective method of measuring progression in soft outcomes e.g. confidence, self- esteem and problem solving.

4. Who is it for? The SOUL Record is currently used by voluntary groups,county councils, schools, children’s centres, community groups, youth work organisations, health schemes and mentoring organisations.

5.  It is best used for one to one sessions, but can be used with some groups.  The SOUL Record is suitable for projects where there is face to face contact with individuals over a period of time.  It can be used with a wide variety of people and there are sections suitable for adults, young people and children.

6. 5 Key Areas used to measure Young People Being Healthy Body & Mind Lifestyle Staying Safe Keeping out of harm Being loved and cared for Enjoying and Achieving School & Community Getting the most out of life Making a Positive Contribution At home In the community Economic Well BeingWork, education and training Home and Community

7. What are “soft outcomes”? Soft OutcomesHard Outcomes IntangibleEasily defined SubjectiveObjective Sliding scaleAbsolute Qualitative dataQuantitative data Intermediate goalEnd goal

8. Measuring Soft Outcomes User’s self-assessment Adults, children & young people Solution focused approach Brief therapy Responsibility Self-awareness Confidence Problem solving Motivation Inter-personal skills Prioritisation Time management Self-esteem Adaptability Values Communication Behaviour Planning Relationships Attitude Initiative Reliability Aspirations Decision making Responsibility Self-awareness Confidence Problem solving Motivation Inter-personal skills Prioritisation Time management Self-esteem Adaptability Values Communication Behaviour Planning Relationships Attitude Initiative Reliability Aspirations Decision making Responsibility Self-awareness Confidence Problem solving Motivation Inter-personal skills Prioritisation Time management Self-esteem Adaptability Values Communication Behaviour Planning Relationships Attitude Initiative Reliability Aspirations Decision making

9. Questionnaires Six questionnaires to choose from For use with individuals or groups Positive statements Best practice is to complete 3 times Conversation prompts

10. Worksheets Focuses on one area Progress measured against agreed goals Small steps to change One to one sessions Provides structure & focus

12. SOUL users across the UK

13. Benefits & Impacts: Users Gives users a voice Encourages participation Identifies areas for change Motivates

14. Benefits & Impacts: Staff Get to know young people Identifies needs of young people Structure & focus to sessions Tracks progress Builds confidence

15. Benefits & Impacts: Funders Evidence for NQSF Supports funding applications Performance management Evidence of progression

16. In summary Gives clients a voice Flexible framework of support Evidence for funding applications Quality assurance Performance management

17. For further information contact: Sarah Durke SOULCoordinator thesoulrecord@ccn.ac.uk 01603 773364 www.soulrecord.org

18. Liz Loftus Involve Youth Service liz.loftus@involve.ie 0906 498017 Sandra Hennigan parksideyouth@gmail.com 087 2379132