ND likes to make jewellery. He does this with his friends. Together they teach other people how to make jewellery too. Below are examples of their brilliant work.
ND makes lots of jewellery. He says: “Your working hands will make your jewellery of 100% good quality. Each person that does the jewellery can get enjoyment, relaxation and the time it takes will help you feel calm. You can learn quickly if you pay attention. You could help others to do the same or you could do this as a hobby at home. Give yourself a pat on the back for making jewellery.”
ND kindly sent Future Pathways a kit for making a bracelet so that we could show pictures of the process. These are included below, along with instructions for how to make a bracelet.
You will need:
• 21 beads
• 21 different coloured beads or ‘spacers’
• Elastic
• Clear nail varnish
• Scissors
Optional: if you want to add a charm to your bracelet, you will also need a charm, a charm carrier and a jump ring. (A jump ring connects different pieces together, for example it will connect the charm to the charm carrier.)
1 – Start by threading one colour bead onto elastic then another different colour bead.
2 – Repeat this 20 times.
3 – Add the charm to the charm carrier using the jump ring. Then add the charm to the bracelet.
4 – Tie a knot three times.
5 – Coat the knot with clear nail varnish. This will help it stay tied.
6 – Cut off the longer ends of the elastic and your bracelet is done!
Sometimes it can be helpful to spend time away from screens (our phones and computers). In this article, we talk about why this can be useful and give some tips to help you.
This article is to help you:
- Understand more about how phones and computers (devices) can affect us
- Notice if you are using your devices too much
- Take a break from screens
How screens can affect us
Using screens too much can affect our emotions, physical health, social lives and jobs. It can cause problems like:
- Stress and anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Damage to our eyes
- Feeling lonely
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Not being able to complete tasks
Checking in with ourselves
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if using phones and computers are a problem. But we can start by thinking about if we:
- are spending more time on our screens than usual
- lose track of time when we are on the phone or a computer
- feel we cannot stop using them, even when we notice the time passing
- feel restless or moody when we do not have them
- use the internet to avoid thinking about problems or difficult emotions
- have sore eyes and headaches from using our screens so much
- struggle to get to sleep at night
If we feel like this, we might want to think about having a break from our devices. We call this a ‘digital detox’.
Digital detox
A ‘digital detox’ is sometimes called ‘unplugging’. It is when we choose to reduce the time we spend on our phones or computers. Or it might mean not using them at all. It could be taking time out from one device, like a smartphone, or from all of them. You might choose not to use a device or just not use it for a certain thing, like social media. Having a digital detox can be a chance to reduce stress or focus on social interaction.
Taking control of your screen time
If you’re looking to get control of your screen time, check out these tips.
Set a limit
Set a time limit on your device or app. You can do this with Apple’s Screen Time or Google’s Digital Wellbeing.
Remove devices from some places
Make sure there are rooms or times where you do not use devices. For example, you might not use your phone in your bedroom so you can sleep better.
Do not charge your phone beside your bed
At night, plug your phone into a socket that is not beside your bed. If you need an alarm for the morning, see if you can use an alarm clock instead of your phone.
Take a break
Remember to take a break from screens when you are working or studying. Try to have a break from screens every 30 minutes.
Try new hobbies
Sometimes, we reach for our phones when we are bored. Instead, try a new hobby like reading a book, writing in a journal or drawing.
More information
This article was written in collaboration with First Psychology who are one of our Delivery Partners. They have created a workbook and guide about taking a digital detox.
We are delighted to be part of Social Work Scotland Annual Conference 2025. Taking place in Glasgow on 9 October, the conference explores how relationships can be a catalyst for change. Bringing together professionals from across a wide range of sectors, this is a chance to explore the significant impact of relationship-based practice.
Future Pathways will be hosting an exhibition stand throughout the day, providing the opportunity for delegates to find out more about the work we do, the difference we make and the connections we create with people and services. We’ll be sharing core information about our service, alongside key research, and aim to foster new relationships with organisations and professionals. We also look forward to finding out more about the diverse and inspiring work taking place at other services across the wider sector.
As a service which prioritises building safe and trusting relationships with people we support, we are looking forward to sharing more about our approach to support. Our own research demonstrates the importance of our relational approach and how building positive and supportive connections is intrinsic to impactful support.
Social Work Scotland Annual Conference
9 October 2025
Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025 – Social Work Scotland
Further resources
Journey of Connection
A Journey of Connection demonstrates the scale and significance of the partnerships we create, develop and maintain. Whether it be the individual relationships we hold or our part in the wider landscape of support, we encourage people to consider how positive connections can bring meaningful change.
Being There
Being There looks at the prevalence of multiple unmet basic needs among people we support. The report also considers the barriers people face when accessing support and how we can help people to navigate these barriers.
Derek shares his experience of support and the difference it has made.
Earlier this year, Derek had to move house. Moving house can sometimes feel very difficult. Derek
thought that he might find it hard.
‘I didn’t want to leave my original address. But I had to. That was quite stressful.’
Derek felt that the move would affect his mental health. So, he asked his Support Coordinator for
help.
‘Asking for support can be the difficult part. But my Support Coordinator made it easy for me to reach out. The way they were made it easier for me to ask for help.’
His Support Coordinator arranged for a removal company to help Derek. They packed up his
belongings and moved them all to his new house.
‘I was going through a bad time. They made it an easy process. I would not have managed it myself. It would have been a lot of upheaval for me.’
Being able to trust the removal company was important too. Derek felt that they were reliable and professional.
‘I still get anxiety. It came up during the house move but I managed to control it because the removal guys were so good.’
Derek is settled in his new home. He also feels safer and more comfortable.
‘Everything from my old house is in my new house now. I’m more relaxed now. I’m in a lot better place mentally because of this. Support has made my life easier. My mindset is in a different place now. And I can concentrate on myself.’
Now, Derek is looking at how he can take care of his physical health.
‘I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes so now need to control my diet. I’ve got a recipe book for my diabetes. I’m a former chef so I know to replace processed food with vegetables and fruit. I’m doing a lot of walking – I do five miles in a day sometimes. Wee bits at a time so I can keep it comfortable.’
Derek is also looking at how he can support his mental health too.
‘Now I can concentrate on my own mental health. I will still need help and I’ve spoken to my Support Coordinator about this. So we can look at the next steps. I’m looking forward to that.’
He is making sure that he takes things at his own pace.
‘I am looking at getting my support plan in place to look at what happens next. I’ve got my plan on hold for a wee bit while I focus on things with my house and try to relax. My Support Coordinator said I have done a good job getting to where I am.’
In the meantime, Derek plans to do more of his artwork.
‘I’ve done more pictures at my art class, and I’ve got them at home with me. I’d like to hang them on the wall. I’ve got pictures of Blondie, Whitney and Elton John. I usually go to an art class every Monday. I am going to get my art equipment back in my house then I can do paintings for people.’
Our latest Quarterly Report is now available to view. It covers our work from January to March 2025. It shows what we’ve learnt, and includes key stats and feedback from those who access Future Pathways.
What happened in Q4
- 36 people registered with Future Pathways
- 38 people started working with a Support Coordinator
- 73 people were referred to 15 Delivery Partners
Who we supported
- The average age of people who registered with us was 46
- 85% 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 about 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.
“It’s the relationship that’s the most important thing, more than anything else. The connection and the fact that I felt safe to connect with my Support Coordinator.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
What people gained
- Many people told us that they felt able to access the support that is right for them. People accessed support from our Delivery Partners, such as help with record searches. And people accessed our Discretionary Fund, for example to make their home feel safe and comfortable.
- We supported people to link up with existing services, such as healthcare.
“Future Pathways has been on my journey every step of the way, supporting me with the challenges I have met.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
What difference we made
- Some people told us that their life, overall, was better now than it was before and others feel more hopeful about the future.
“You’ve held the hope for me and now I’m able to hold the hope for myself.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
What changed for people
- People told us what changed in their life after accessing our support. Some people feel that they know more about their strengths and abilities. Others feel clearer about the changes that they want to make.
“Future Pathways has helped me move on from my trauma. My life took a new direction. To where I live and how I cope with my everyday life.”
(Person supported by Future Pathways)
Our full report features further infographics, feedback and a breakdown of our financial spend.
Mary, our Peer Support Lead, tells us more about the sessions so far.
Since June, we have held 4 Peer Support sessions – in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and online. It has been wonderful to see so many people attending. Some people are on the Future Pathways’ waitlist and others have been supported by the service.
We have been starting our sessions with tea and coffee, and time to settle in. Everyone at Peer Support is invited to share how they are feeling. Or, they can just listen and take part in a way that feels right for them.
At Peer Support, we also make a group agreement. This helps everyone feel safe and respected. We talked about the importance of respect and listening, and how we can make sure everyone feels included.
We have also been working on our Peer Support Tree. Each leaf shows someone’s hope for what they want to get from coming to the group. People have been writing things like “to feel stable”, “to be supported”, “to be believed and valued” and “to meet people who get it”.
Some people said they came to Peer Support because they felt lonely or were looking for something to do. Others were curious or wanted to try something new. When we asked how people felt afterwards, they said things like “connected”, “hopeful”, “inspired” and “not alone”.
Thank you to everyone who has come along so far. This year is focused on our group sessions and workshops. We are always looking for feedback and new ideas for things we can try in the future.
If Peer Support sounds like something you would like to try, we would love to welcome you to a session.
Taking part and booking your place
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. If you would like to come along, please contact Mary:
Mary, Peer Support Lead
peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let Mary know. We may be able to help.
Here, we find out more about Wellbeing Scotland and the support they offer.
Wellbeing Scotland have been a Delivery Partner with Future Pathways since 2016. Their services are available to people who are experiencing trauma as a result of child abuse. Wellbeing Scotland have been supporting people for over 30 years. They offer different kinds of support:
- In person at their offices in Alloa and Glasgow
- Online
- By telephone
Aim
Wellbeing Scotland aim to support people’s wellbeing. They do this in different ways. For example, by helping someone talk about and understand their trauma. Or by helping people develop coping skills. Wellbeing Scotland help people feel listened to and understood.
Mission
Wellbeing Scotland’s job is to give support to people who have been affected by child abuse. They try to make sure that:
- People can access the support they need at the right time
- People get support for different parts of their life, not just one part of it (for example, you can share and talk about different experiences that have affected your life)
- Support is adapted to suit people’s needs
Wellbeing Scotland work with people to find what will be helpful for them.
Getting support
Future Pathways make referrals to Wellbeing Scotland. Then, you can talk to a trauma counsellor at Wellbeing Scotland. The trauma counsellor will:
- Tell you about how support works
- Tell you about the different types of therapy you can access
- Help you to look at the ways that therapy might help you
- Talk about your needs
Talking about your needs means finding out more about how your life is now and if you have any other support around you. This helps to see what is important for you and helps you to set your goals.
If you would like to have a conversation with Wellbeing Scotland, please let your Future Pathways Support Coordinator know.
Referral and Assessment
Wellbeing Scotland carry out an assessment to make sure they can provide the right kind of support. At an assessment, you can:
- Speak to an experienced worker who understands the signs and symptoms of trauma
- Find out more about the types of support you can access, like counselling or groupwork
- Talk about why you want to access support
- Think about how support can be tailored to meet your needs
Emotional Support
We focus on what might help. Wellbeing Scotland will:
- Look at the ways you can feel safe
- Help you build coping skills to manage distress
- Help you learn how to find ways to help manage difficult emotions and thoughts
- Explore what therapy can be like to see if it feels right for you
- Think about your goals for therapy
Counselling
Wellbeing Scotland offer a safe and confidential space for one-to-one support. You can talk about how your experiences might have affected your health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Group work
Group work is a chance to connect with people. It is a place where people can talk and grow together. And it is a chance to think about your future beyond therapy. For example, you might want to focus on relationships or emotions, or develop skills to cope. In group work, you can:
- Learn exercises to help you relax
- Talk to other people about how you feel
- Take part in creative activities to build new skills