The Doorways Emergency Relief Survey 2025
Red Shield Research Project
The Salvation Army’s Research and Outcome Measurement team is conducting its annual Red Shield Research Project. They are asking people who accessed our Doorways Emergency Relief services in the past year to share their views and experiences. Community members will be invited via text message to complete a survey in mid to late October 2024. Participation is voluntary, and responses are confidential
What is the purpose of the survey?
The survey helps us understand our community members' experiences and challenges in the past year, and any hardships they may be facing. The findings from this research will be compiled into a report, ensuring no one will be identified in any reports or publications. The Salvation Army may use the insights gained from the survey to further inform and support the community, advocate for positive changes, improve our services, and raise funds for our services.
Any questions, please contact the research team at: research@salvationarmy.org.au
Frequently asked questions
What is the survey about?
The Salvation Army’s Research Team is conducting the annual Red Shield 2025 Research Project to better understand the experiences and challenges our community members may be facing.
Who will be contacted?
Some community members who have accessed Doorways Emergency Relief Service in the past 12 months will be invited via SMS to participate in the survey.
Invitations and two reminders will be sent from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 31 October 2024.
What kinds of questions are included?
Various. The survey asks questions about community members’ experiences of financial hardship, cost-of-living pressures, life challenges, housing situations and their wellbeing. Questions are asked using a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended responses.
How do community members complete the survey?
Online. Community members can complete the online survey via the link they received in a recent text message from ‘The Salvos’. To minimise the impact on the environment, paper copies of the survey are not available.
Is the survey available in different languages?
No, the survey is only available in English.
Do community members have to complete the survey?
No, the survey is voluntary. The decision to participate or not will not affect the relationship community members have with The Salvation Army.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
Why should community members complete the survey?
For community members to have a say and share their experiences. The information will be used to advocate for positive change, better respond to community needs, and to raise funds for our services and programs.
How is community members’ confidentiality protected?
All responses will be kept confidential and according to our privacy policy.
Will the survey findings be published?
Yes. The information collected will be analysed by The Salvation Army’s Research team. The findings will be compiled into a report and published on The Salvation Army’s website. They may also use the findings for media, promotion, fundraising and advocacy purposes. No identifying details will be included about individuals, and their personal information will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Who can community members contact if completing the survey causes them distress?
Community members can contact the following for free 24/7 crisis support.
Ask Izzy https://askizzy.org.au/
Free and anonymous website listing support services across Australia.
Lifeline
Free and confidential 24/7 phone support for anyone in a personal crisis, feeling stressed or struggling to cope, including thoughts about suicide.
13YARN
Free and confidential 24/7 phone support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for mob who want to yarn without judgement and to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
1800RESPECT
Free and confidential 24/7 phone support anyone experiencing and impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence and abuse.
Suicide Call Back Service
Free 24/7 phone support anyone feeling suicidal, worried about someone at risk, grieving a suicide, or dealing with emotional or mental health issues.
MensLine
Free 24/7 phone support for men dealing with issues like mental health, anger, family violence, addiction, relationships, divorce, and social isolation.
QLife
Free and anonymous LGBTIQ+ phone support available 3pm-midnight each day for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Who can community members contact if they want more information about this survey?
Contact the Research Team at research@salvationarmy.org.au
Can community members use the survey to ask for help with financial hardship or other issues they may be experiencing?
No, the purpose of the survey is to gather information on community members experiences and is not a way to request additional Emergency Relief or other assistance. If community members would like help or more information about how to access our services, they are welcome to contact a Salvos centre near them or to visit the Salvos website.
Poster to promote the survey
In addition to the text messages, you might also see the following poster at one of our centres.