Supporter Survey
2 014 s lt su e R The
you said
we listened
Thank you for telling us what you think Earlier this year we sent a survey to all the people who support Derventio Housing Trust. Thank you to everyone who took time to complete the survey. We were delighted that so many of you responded. This short report is a summary of what you told us and our response to what you said.
How we communicate You Said Do you feel well-informed about what is happening at Derventio and the impact of your donations? 100%
0% Yes
No
What would you like to know more about? Individual life stories
I would like to know about the progress made at the farm
Any personal stories of people recovering from their misfortunes
Our Response We are delighted that all respondents who answered the question feel wellinformed. It’s important that you know how we are putting your donations to use. You can expect to see more updates about the farm and personal stories in our future communication following on from your helpful suggestions. 3
You Said How often would you like to hear from us? 47% 26% 16% 5%
5%
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annually
Only when there is an urgent need for money
Do you use social media? If so, which ones? Facebook
24%
14%
Google+
5%
5%
0%
YouTube Other
14% 0%
None
71%
Our Response Nearly half of you are happy to hear from us quarterly, so we will provide four updates every year. We are active on Facebook and LinkedIn, the two most popular social sites you use. Interestingly, many of you use YouTube, and so we are going to look into using the site to share videos. 4
You Said Do you use email regularly? 75%
25%
Yes
No
Would you like to receive our email newsletter, Changing Lives, with timely news about what’s happening at Derventio? 45%
40%
15%
Yes
No
I already do!
Would you prefer to receive this information in a printed newsletter? 70%
30%
Yes
No
5
Our Response The majority of our supporters use email, and we will keep on sending out our popular Changing Lives emails as a fast and inexpensive way to keep you updated. To those of you who already subscribe, or if you ticked the box in the survey to sign up - keep an eye out for these emails in your inbox. You can sign up at any time by visiting our website at www.derventiohousing.com and scrolling to the bottom of the page. We will post out a version of our email newsletter to those of you who would prefer to hear from us by post. We will also send occasional updates in the mail to everyone on our mailing list. Sometimes nothing beats a letter!
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About You & Your Support You Said Why do you support Derventio Housing Trust?
I think being homeless must be so damaging to the whole of your life lowering self-esteem and making it hard to be organised or to have a job. I have got to know the team at DHT and the work you do through my own work for PWC. I think you make an amazing difference to your local communities and this needs to be supported
My wife is a long-term CAB volunteer so I am aware of local social problems
To help those in need
Good cause
When I was 18 I was homeless!
Because of the support it gives to homeless people
Because it helps vulnerable people improve their lives. I worked for NACRO in the 1980s so I have considerable experience of interacting with others who have had difficult lives
We have an interest in helping Derby people as we are a Derby based business. We have seen first hand the great work the charity has done.
Important local charity that offers practical help for those in need 7
I was a voluntary Independent Custody Visitor for Derbyshire Police and saw problems of homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse, especially amongst young people
The Trust does excellent work in an area of real need - we are happy to help
A local charity To help the homeless in Derby
I believe in their work supporting vulnerable people
We recognise and appreciate the need
The programmes set up by the Trust are forward looking, progressive and encouraging, energising the homeless people themselves to know there is a positive outcome and happier future to their problems
I feel homelessness is a major issue
Important to society and those you support
Our Response Thank you so much for your interesting and insightful comments. It’s wonderful to hear why you have chosen to support this particular cause. One thing that stands out from all of your comments is the clear desire to help other people and make a difference locally. One of the benefits of supporting Derventio Housing Trust is that we are a small organisation working directly with people in need. We can put even the smallest contributions to good use. From buying a toothbrush to funding a training course - your support always goes where it is needed the most. 8
You Said Do you have any personal stories or experience relating to homelessness?
Yes. I have gone missing from home and slept rough for very short periods. I was helped by family and friends, but this help is not available to everyone.
Only that when I was a student (in the mid 70s!) I worked in, then ran a shelter for the Cyrenians one summer holidays.
No, and hopefully won’t, but I’ve been out of work
Our Response Many people have negative perceptions of homeless people - “It must be their fault”, “They’re all alchoholics”, “They are just troublemakers”. As you know, there is no single definition that fits all homeless people. Homelessness can affect anyone, and everyone affected by homelessness has their own personal story and circumstances. We are encouraged that so many of you support us without any direct experience of homelessness yourself. It shows how empathetic and caring you are towards a group that is often forgotten by society. Thank you for your compassion.
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You Said We are very grateful for all the support you have provided in the past. Are you planning to remain a supporter of Derventio Housing Trust? 62%
33%
0% Yes, for the near future
Yes, for at least the year ahead
I don't know
5% No
We really can’t thank you enough! Do you feel your contributions are recognised appropriately and in a timely fashion? 100%
Very good acknowledgements
0% Yes
No
Our Response Being able to rely on your support in the future helps us to plan our services so that we can provide the long-term support that is needed for homeless people to turn their lives around. Thank you if you are planning to give to us again. 10
You Said I support Derventio Housing Trust because...
A good cause helping people who really need help The happy faces on the people featured in the newsletters speak for themselves. The stories are all so positive.
They are a local charity, helping local people in extremely practical ways
I was homeless when I was 18
It helps those in need in a very positive way and I know my help is used wisely
It helps vulnerable people at difficult phases in their lives
My experience of supporting Derventio Housing Trust has been... My way of saying how grateful I am not to be homeless today. I truly am blessed.
Positive and inspiring
Donations will be very much appreciated and we know they will be put to good use for the homeless Inspirational and life changing. It’s really helped me focus on what is important in life and that is supporting others.
Very positive, well informed in what is happening. Stories of how people have turned their lives around with Trust’s help. 11
Derventio Housing Trust is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. We help people experiencing housing problems or homelessness to escape their situation and turn their lives around.
Head Office (Derby) Ilkeston Office Derventio Housing Trust 33 Boyer Street Derby DE22 3TB
Derventio Housing Trust 1 Grenville Drive Ilkeston DE7 8HT
Tel: 01332 292 776 Fax: 01332 209 256
Tel: 01159 443 865
info@derventiohousing.com
Connect www.derventiohousing.com /derventioht @DerventioHT flickr.com/derventio localgiving.com/derventio
Derventio Housing Trust is a limited Community Interest Company (05886593) registered in England and Wales; Registered address: 33 Boyer Street, Derby DE22 3TB