Over the years St Mungo's has built the largest programme of work and learning services for homeless people in Europe, and which has on average helped 125 people find employment every year. We believe that providing opportunities for education, skills training and work is vital in helping people stay off the streets for good.
Pathways to Employment has taken this concept even further, providing on-site, in-depth and activity led support to those who want to change their lives for good, but don't know how. The programme is funded solely by money kindly donated by St Mungo's supporters.
The Pathways to Employment programme was initially piloted in two St Mungo's hostels, Cedars Road in Lambeth and Cromwell Road in Earls Court. Two very different types of hostels. Cedars Road has a large number of rough sleepers so by its very nature, life at the hostel can often be very chaotic. Residents are still coming to terms with their new environment, trying to sort out support needs and personal issues. Cromwell Road has a more settled client group.
The ultimate aim of the programme is to achieve a 10% employment rate for programme participants. In the first year and a half, 11% of participants from Cromwell Road found paid employment. And, although this wasn't quite matched at Cedars Road, there has been some equally significant progress made. Work and learning is now an important part of the support provided at the hostel.
The early days of the programme can provide a huge challenge for people, especially if they are still overcoming drug or alcohol issues.
Sherif Mohamed is currently twelve months into a training scheme with Beyond Food, a catering company for high-end events. After moving to Cedars Road, he was introduced to the scheme by Christos Christophy, a member of the Pathways to Employment team. Sherif was on a methadone prescription but was still using substances on top.
"At first, Sherif's attendance was blighted by unexplained absences and frequent lateness".As Sherif himself admits "I still felt like there was something missing in my life...I was constantly watching the clock to see when I could finish and go back to the hostel to take drugs again".
Self-motivation is a key factor with Pathways to Employment. Participation in the programme is voluntary so participants have to want to take part. However, when someone is interested, the Pathways team encourage and support them through the programme, as Sherif found,
"I knew that I needed to escape my situation but I just didn't have the courage, I needed a push in the right direction".
Success rates for programme participants taking part in training have been very promising, for example 78% of those from Cedars Road and 96% from Cromwell Road who participated in literacy training were able to improve their literacy skills.
Taking the first step is the biggest hurdle to participating in Pathways to Employment. The truth is that many people are reluctant or just don't have the confidence. But once they do engage, most will see the programme through. Over 80% of those who participated from Cromwell Road were still taking part after six months.