Late last year The Boathouse Youth commissioned the Centre for Youth Impact, based at YMCA George Williams College, to partner with us on a 12-18 month journey of monitoring, evaluation and learning. The starting point for this was a residential in North Wales with members of Team BHY who enjoyed (or endured!) a 3-day programme of workshop, discussions and physical activity to set us off on the right foot for 2023.

The training was led by Professor Kaz Stuart from the Centre for Youth Impact who delivered a full and varied series of training events helping us to re-create our Theory of Change. We refreshed our knowledge around the context of the work we do, and with whom we do it; in order to consider how the activities that we facilitate impact on the young people’s lives in the short, medium and long-term.

The training was set in a self-catering youth hostel, owned by The Scouts, which lent itself perfectly to our requirements in terms of enabling the team to relax into the work and think really creatively. This environment also meant that the conversations continued after and in-between workshops. Our trusty Chef came along for the ride and ensured everyone was sufficiently fed and watered.

Professor Kaz Stuart said of the team, “It was truly a pleasure to work with you. An absolute pleasure to support. You are amazing to support, open minded, curious, and super engaged!”.

Just before heading home the team headed to Bounce Below for one final blow-out of fun before the returning to reality. Laurance Hancock, CEO said, “Thanks to Kaz and thanks to the Team for engaging. We’ve moved miles as an organisation following on from this”.