Supporter Survey

2014The Results

we listened

you said

Thank you for telling us what you thinkEarlier 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.

3

100%

0%

Yes No

How we communicate

Do you feel well-informed about what is happening at Derventio and the impact of your donations?

I would like to know about the progress made at the farm

Any personal stories of people recovering from

their misfortunes

What would you like to know more about?

We are delighted that all respondents who answered the question feel well-informed. 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.

You Said

Our Response

Individual life stories

4

5%

16%

47%

26%

5%

Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually Only when there is an

urgent need for money

How often would you like to hear from us?

You Said

24%

14%

5%

5%

0%

14%

0%

71%

Facebook

LinkedIn

Google+

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Other

None

Do you use social media? If so, which ones?

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.

Our Response

5

45%40%

15%

Yes No I already do!

Do you use email regularly?

You Said

75%

25%

Yes No

Would you like to receive our email newsletter, Changing Lives, with timely news about what’s happening at Derventio?

30%

70%

Yes No

Would you prefer to receive this information in a printed newsletter?

6

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!

Our Response

7

About You & Your Support

Why do you support Derventio Housing Trust?

You Said

When I was 18 I was homeless!

To help those in

needImportant local

charity that offers practical help for

those in need

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.

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

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

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.

Good cause Because of the support it gives

to homeless people

My wife is a long-term CAB volunteer so I am aware of

local social problems

8

To help the homeless in Derby

I feel homelessness is a major issue

We recognise and appreciate

the need

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

I believe in their work supporting

vulnerable people

Important to society and those you support

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

problemsA local charity

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.

9

Do you have any personal stories or experience relating to homelessness?

You Said

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.

10

33%

62%

0%5%

Yes, for the near future

Yes, for at least the year ahead

I don't know No

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?

You Said

We really can’t thank you enough! Do you feel your contributions are recognised appropriately and in a timely fashion?

100%

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.

Very good acknowledgements

11

I support Derventio Housing Trust because...

You Said

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

They are a local charity, helping local people in extremely

practical ways

It helps vulnerable people at difficult

phases in their lives

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.

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.

Very positive, well informed in what is happening. Stories of how people have turned their lives

around with Trust’s help.

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.

Derventio Housing Trust is a limited Community Interest Company (05886593) registered in England and Wales; Registered address: 33 Boyer Street, Derby DE22 3TB

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.

Connect

Derventio Housing Trust33 Boyer StreetDerby DE22 3TB

Tel: 01332 292 776 Fax: 01332 209 256

Head Office (Derby) Ilkeston OfficeDerventio Housing Trust1 Grenville Drive Ilkeston DE7 8HT

Tel: 01159 443 865

/derventioht

@DerventioHT

flickr.com/derventio

localgiving.com/derventio

www.derventiohousing.com

info@derventiohousing.com