Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Prevention
• Reduction

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Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)
• Increase employment income

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Keywords

• Non-target based support
• Person-centred service
• Employment sustainability
• Social enterprise

Aim

The primary aim of Pathways is to support people facing hardships on their unique individual journey so that they can use their skills and interests to move out of or avoid poverty, and progress in life. The Pathways team focuses on opening opportunities for individuals and does not offer support based on outcomes or tight to specific objectives. This allows the service to focus entirely on the individual's needs and journey. The overarching goal of the Pathways team is to further lift people out of poverty and/or retain them there.

Summary

The Wise Group’s Pathways service is designed to support people facing hardships on their unique journeys, helping them utilise their skills and interests to move out of or avoid poverty and progress in life. After receiving initial support in the Wise Group’s key areas - Energy Advice and Advocacy, Community Justice, and Employment Services - individuals are connected to the Pathways team for flexible and person-centred support. Rather than focusing on rigid outcomes, the Pathways team prioritises individual needs, offering emotional support, signposting to training or upskilling, and building confidence. When ready, customers are connected with employers through job and volunteering fairs, opening new long-term opportunities.

What difference does it make?

The project has made a massive difference not only by helping people to gain employment but also by developing their skills, their level of confidence and capability to progress in life. Having someone who listens, encourages one's thoughts and dreams and sees strength and opportunities has enabled customers to step out of their comfort zone and follow their ambitions. Offering the service to internal staff, particularly when contracts came to an end, instilled a sense of hope and a feeling of not being alone but receiving support when needed. Supported individuals reported that having someone to talk to about where they really are in life and where they want to go and then having someone encouraging and supporting them has made an extensive difference in their lives and enabled them to progress on their individual paths.
They follow people's journeys and have received continuous positive feedback from both former customers and management. The progression of people’s journeys shows that the support is working. Additionally, the Scottish Government has asked them for advice on programs they are running to help people gain employment, which further demonstrates the service’s value. The Pathways team are implementing a new system to collect feedback and evaluate the service more systematically.

Key take-aways

• You have to enjoy what you do and like to work with people. Keeping the passion to help a person to fulfil their potential will make it more enjoyable and successful both for the staff member and the customer.
• It is also important to rest and recuperate whenever you need. It is essential not to be afraid to say something when you are struggling or having a hard day. Days can be different, and the job can be varied, which is both a joy and sometimes a challenge.

 

Organisations

The Wise Group is a big organisation with a wide range of networks and partners. In general, the Wise Group works with a range of local authorities, Jobcentre Plus, and organisations of mental health support, alcohol and drug support, and the community justice system. The main partners of the Pathways team are employers from various sectors, training providers, volunteer organisations and charities. Some organisations reach out to the Pathways team for suitable candidates; others post jobs with the Wise Group, which will be advertised to customers or used to match them actively. The Pathways team also partners with the Department of Work and Pensions and runs several huge job fairs, encouraging people to get jobs and make new contacts.

Location

Scotland (Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, Dumbarton, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire) and North of England (Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington, Durham, Leeds and Manchester).

Project started in 1983

Contact