"I love how we don't talk about our problems; we just enjoy the day as friends."Huddersfield Men's Group Participant
The Pathways to Progress group aims to provide opportunities for activities that allow participants to socialise with others whilst supporting their local community. Groundwork Yorkshire also wanted to set up a safe space that was fun and fully inclusive.
Some of the activities the group have done to date are:
Members of the Men's Group and representatives from Groundwork Yorkshire:
The benefits to the group are immense. They have a safe space to enjoy socialising and sharing without judgement. There's a varied age range and ability, which means they have lots of different experiences to share with each other.
Being in that environment has enabled the men to build their confidence and develop a sense of purpose together. The success of the group has led to friendships outside of the group (they now meet up regularly) and for some members it has also help them to find a new career path.
Three of the men have been inspired to develop their skills to start a career helping to mentor people as they want to give back to their communities.
They are now attending a Level 2 Peer Mentor Course at Northern College. There is also one participant volunteering with Groundwork Yorkshire and two partaking in work experience places.
These participants have realised that working to support people is what they want to do long-term, which is an outstanding success story on its own.
"I just wanted to send you a big thank you to you and your team for the amazing work you have done for us. Our meeting room has been transformed. It will be such an improved working space for people. Your generosity and enthusiasm has been wonderful. This has been over and above our partnership working and we are very grateful."Jill Knowles, Acting Chief Executive, The Welcome Centre
