Our latest Quarterly Report is now available to view. It covers our work from October to December 2024. It shows what we’ve learnt, and includes key stats and feedback from those who access Future Pathways.
What happened in Q2
51 people registered with Future Pathways.
31 people started working with a Support Coordinator.
142 people were accessing support from at least 39 Delivery Partners.
Who we supported
The average age of people who registered with us was 47.
71% of people who registered with us live in Scotland’s most populated areas.
How people felt
We received positive feedback from people we support, and we also received suggestions for how we could improve.
People shared that they felt Future Pathways understood and cared about them. Many people also shared that they felt able to trust Future Pathways.
People also told us that some experiences such as waiting for support could negatively affect their trust in the service.
What people gained
People accessed a mix of different types of support in Q3. Many people told us they feel able to access the support that is right for them.
Many people accessed support from our Delivery Partners such as creative therapies and support work.
Many people accessed support through our Discretionary Fund such as support to make their home feel safe and comfortable, and support to explore their hobbies and interests.
People also accessed support to link up with existing services such as health and social care supports.
What difference we made
Many people shared the impact of their work with Future Pathways, for example an increase in their hope for the future.
“[Future Pathways] supplied the tools to help me to recover, as best as possible, leave the past behind and for the first time in my 66 years gave me the opportunity to look to the future.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
What changed for people
People shared what changed in their life after accessing support from Future Pathways. Some people fed back that they know more now about their strengths and what they can do. They also told us they feel clearer about the changes they want to make with our support.
“It has helped me get to my goals.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
Our full report features further infographics, feedback and a breakdown of our financial spend.
Aberdeen Cyrenians are one of our new Delivery Partners. They help people to access different types of support. Here, they tell us all about what they do and how they do it.
How did Aberdeen Cyrenians begin?
Aberdeen Cyrenians was started in the 1960s by students from Aberdeen University. They collected leftover food from their halls and started a soup kitchen. The next year, they opened a night shelter so people sleeping on the streets had a safe place to go. Since then, we have become known as a safe place for support. Our door is always open. We offer hope and assurance. People can come to us for practical and emotional support. They can build firm foundations towards a better life.
Can you tell us a bit about the kinds of support you offer?
Sure! We are here to help during tough times. We walk with people on their journey and offer support to clear the way. Everyone needs different things. So we build our support around what each person needs. We create supportive relationships, like having a friend or family member you can go to for help. Someone might need food or help to find a warm and safe place to stay. Or, they might want help with budgeting or support with anxiety. Sometimes, people need a quiet space for a cup of tea and a chat.
“We are here for anyone, no matter what stage they are at.”
Our support looks different for each person, but it could include:
- Helping people to set goals. We help people figure out what they want to achieve and how to do it. We do this in 1-to-1 support sessions.
- Group sessions. You can meet other people and do new activities in a safe and supportive space.
- Being there for people. We can go to appointments with people. We can reduce stress by acting on someone’s behalf (with their permission). And we can assist with growing new skills. We can help people to find the tools and resources they need or the activities they want to try.
“Remember – there is no shame in asking for help. We are here to support you.”
What do you think is important to people when they access support?
People want to be understood, feel safe and to have their own power. When people access support, it is really important that they feel comfortable and accepted. Everyone has their own journey. We build our support around what matters to them.
Our role is to help people see and develop their own inner strengths, so they can reach their goals. Sometimes, we need to deal with urgent things first, like finding somewhere to live, being safe, having food and not being alone. When these needs are met, it gives people the space to decide what they want for the future. It means they do not struggle alone and that they have the power to make changes.
Aberdeen Cyrenians helps people in lots of different ways including:
Support and Emergency Essentials
We offer safe and welcoming support for anyone who needs help.
Housing and Homelessness
We help people to get and keep housing that is safe, stable and functional. We make sure that if homelessness does happen, it is rare, brief and does not happen again.
Violence and Abuse
We help people who are experiencing, or have experienced, abuse, violence or hate crime. We help people to feel safe. We support people to recover and to feel stronger.
Alcohol and substance related harm, mental health and wellbeing
We offer support for people who have been harmed by alcohol and substance use. We also support their mental health and wellbeing. And we help people to get past challenges and feel less alone.
Digital and Financial Support
We help people with their digital skills. And we help people to understand money issues. This means people can get skills and wellbeing for everyday life.
Independent Living
We help people to be more independent. And we make sure people have choices about their personal support.
Find out more at www.weareac.org
We’re delighted to share our latest animation, created in collaboration with Electrify and members of Voices for a Better Future.
Electrify is a strategic, creative communications agency. With Future Pathways, Electrify worked with Voices for a Better Future to gain insights from people with lived experience of abuse in care to develop this animation. We aimed to authentically convey what Future Pathways does, who we are for and the support we offer.
Input from members of Voices for a Better Future was crucial to this work. They helped us to show the perspective of someone on a journey of support, taking us on the path from before to during and after support. As such, we highlight milestones of support, how we work with Delivery Partners, the impact support can have, and the reassurance of Future Pathways’ presence throughout the support journey.
The animation shows how each individual is at the heart of support, taking their own pathway to a positive future. We encourage anyone who has experienced abuse and neglect in the Scottish care system to reach out to Future Pathways.
Phone us for free on 0808 164 2005 or email us at registration@future-pathways.co.uk
About Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future brings together people who experienced abuse or neglect while they were children in the Scottish care system. Members of the group want to make a difference. They want to help improve services and support for others. They make sure that the views of people supported by Future Pathways are considered in decisions about the service. You can find out more about Voices for a Better Future here.