In this case study, Jack talks about his experience of working with Future Pathways and how it has helped him.

Before meeting his Support Coordinator, Jack was unsure about how things were going to go, what support he would receive, and even if he’d be entitled to receive support. “I’ve always been independent and tried to make my own way, so it was new for me to take that leap and reach out,” he said. “Nothing was sure in my mind, but I was willing to go with it.”
Jack felt at ease meeting his Support Coordinator for the first time because of the way the Support Coordinator spoke with him. He felt listened to and understood in these conversations. Jack felt that it took a while to open up, but after a few meetings with his Support Coordinator, he felt more comfortable.

Jack’s overall mental health and wellbeing was part of these conversations. Upon reflection, Jack felt that looking back on his overall wellbeing at different stages of his journey was helpful because it reinforced the direction he wanted to move towards, especially when he felt confused. These discussions also helped him to remember his full journey.

Discussions about the future occurred as a gradual process. Jack’s Support Coordinator knew that education was important to Jack and they worked together towards this. Jack realised that he was carrying a ‘load of worries’, ‘suppressing things’, and found ‘old wounds were reopening’ which meant that he had to stop his studies at the time. When Jack first registered with Future Pathways he felt resistant to go down the path related to his past experiences in care, but felt that he had to start ‘dealing with things’.

With the support from Future Pathways, Jack was able to work through things during therapy sessions that were purchased from the support fund. The Discretionary Fund was accessed to assist Jack with purchases when moving house so that he could be closer to his children. Finally, Jack started to attend a college course, which he highlights would not have happened without Future Pathways’ support.

For Jack, the first year of being supported by Future Pathways felt like a journey. He always had a focus and plan about where he wanted to be with his studies, career and personal aspirations: “this was something I had searched for my whole life”. With the support from his Support Coordinator, Jack was able to work through and prioritise his plans based on what was important to him. Resources were also made available for Jack to work towards his plans.

“I’ve had immense support, it has changed my life completely,” he added. “It’s allowed me to move forward and I feel like I’m probably at one of the best points in my life.”