Future Pathways supported Fiona with her sculpture. Since then, Fiona has created workshops to help others find healing through creativity.
What made you decide to use your own creative talents to support other people?
I had the idea in March 2022 when I was at an all-time low. I wanted to support women who had similar experiences to me. I wanted to help them with the healing process, to go from feeling fragile to feeling stronger.
I was supported by Ewain, my Support Coordinator at Future Pathways. He helped me develop the initial idea. Through funding, I could buy tools and materials to help me set up the workshops. Later, I had a different Support Coordinator called Edith. She supported me through my emotional challenges and setbacks.
What has helped you along the way?
I was supported by MsMissMrs – a social enterprise that supports women. They helped me to set up my social enterprise and register it with Companies House. Through Future Pathways, I was also in touch with Brilliant Leaders. They helped with business strategies and funding applications. And gave me support with Break The Mould, which is still going.
Since then, I was able to get funding from the Start It Award to grow my social enterprise. This helped me to make a bigger impact, support more survivors, and maintain a healing and focused environment for people.
I’ve also received funding from Arnold Clark, which supported me to run evening classes. And I secured a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, Awards For All, for 2 years of funding. This means I can now support 48 women, all in recovery who are ready to start rebuilding their lives.
Can you tell us more about Break The Mould?
Break The Mould is a Glasgow-based social enterprise. It provides therapeutic sculpture workshops for women who have experienced sexual trauma, violence, homelessness and trafficking.
Through creative expression, my organisation offers a safe and supportive space where participants can rebuild their confidence, empower, develop skills, and strengthen their community connections.
How do you think creativity can help people in their recovery journey?
Participants tell us that the workshops can bring profound changes, from renewed self-worth to stronger community connections. By using sculpture making as a powerful tool, I help women process trauma, rebuild trust and overcome feelings of isolation and inequality. The workshops are not only emotional and psychological healing but also opens doors to education, employment and stronger family and community ties.
You have described the sculpture as tapping into fragility and resilience. Can you tell us more about that?
Fragility is sometimes seen as a weakness, but we can explore the beauty in fragility as it invites connection. We soften around fragile things; we protect them. We meet with empathy in that shared vulnerability. Relationships deepen and meaningful relationships grow. Resilience wouldn’t exist without fragility.
Find out more at: www.break-themould.co.uk
We are looking for people to join our lived experience group and our Leadership Team. You can find out more about this below.
At Future Pathways, we want to make sure we listen to people. It is important that we hear everyone’s voice. We want people who are registered with Future Pathways to help us improve the service.
There are two ways that you can help to do this. You can:
- Join Voices for a Better Future. This is a lived experience group. Every member is registered with Future Pathways. The group works with staff at Future Pathways and at other services on different projects. These projects help to improve services and raise awareness about issues that affect people. The group wants to make sure that services support people properly.
- Join the Alliance Leadership Team. This team makes sure that Future Pathways gives high quality support. And they make sure that the service is focusing on the right things. The team includes two members from Voices for a Better Future. These members help to shape how Future Pathways is run and check that the service is working well.
Your own lived experience is what is important. You do not need to have:
- any formal qualifications
- done any specific work
- any specific education
If you choose to take part, you will need to:
- read things like documents, reports and policies
- have your own device (like a laptop or mobile phone) and access to the internet
- have access to a private space for meetings, for example, a quiet room in your own home
Find out more
In the packs below, you can find more information about:
- Joining Voices for a Better Future
- Joining the Alliance Leadership Team
We hope you will find this helpful. If you would like a printed copy or if you have any questions, you can contact Flora at Future Pathways:
Flora Henderson, Alliance Director
Email: flora.henderson@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone: 07552 393 019 (Leave a message with your name and phone number. Flora will call you back.)
In 2025, we launched Peer Support at Future Pathways. We look back at what we did and how people felt about taking part.
Why did we introduce Peer Support?
We knew from feedback that people registered with Future Pathways wanted Peer Support. So, we took steps to make that happen. Mary, our Peer Support Lead, joined Future Pathways and created a programme of workshops and events. She was then joined by Brit and Nicola. Brit is our Engagement Coordinator and Nicola is our Peer Support Coordinator. Together, the Peer Support team make sure that we have a full programme of sessions and workshops. And they make sure people can take part and are supported.
What is Peer Support like at Future Pathways?
In 2025, we had a range of sessions. Some were online and some were in person. These sessions were a chance to meet new people, connect and support each other.
Between June and December 2025, we ran 10 Peer Support sessions. These were across Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow and online. 37 people came long and many people came to more than one session. Some people were supported by Future Pathways and some people were currently on our waitlist.
We also held workshops on First Aid, Mindfulness and Healthy Eating. All of these workshops were really popular.
Our First Aid workshop was done by St Andrews First Aid and you can find out more about them in our interview:
Our Healthy Eating workshop was done by Aberdeen Science Centre. You can find out more about the centre and how they share their learning here:
Our Mindfulness and Stress Management workshop was held by Jen Wood. You can see pictures from this workshop below.
Why did people choose to come along to Peer Support?
There were lots of different reasons why people came along to the sessions. For example, people told us:
“I wanted to see how it goes, I was curious.”
“Feels safe to come to a group like this with other survivors.”
“I want to connect with people, I feel lonely.”
“Helps me feel like I’m not the only one.”
“To be seen for who I really am, not the front I put on for others.”
“It’s something to do outside the house, keeps me social.”
And people also told us how the sessions made them feel. For, example, they said they felt Inspired, part of something, connected, hopeful, heard, safe, understood, accepted and ‘lighter’.
“Saying it out loud takes away its power.”
“I can take the mask off for a while.”
“It feels like … wow.”
“Gives me hope that things can feel different for me one day.”
2026 Peer Support programme
We have a full programme for 2026. This includes sessions in person and online. And we also have 4 workshops.
Below, we have information about Peer Support at Future Pathways – what Peer Support is, what it is like at Future Pathways and how to take part in Peer Support sessions.
View and download our main booklet:
View and download our main booklet as Easy Read:
Mark is walking the West Highland Way to raise money for charity. Here, we find out more about what made him take this journey.
Making changes
Mark wanted to take a step towards feeling calmer and having more peaceful moments. So, he made two big decisions in his life: to get a dog and to give up alcohol. He now has two dogs, Jasper and Shep, and they are Mark’s trusted companions.
Jasper and Shep have been really important in Mark’s recovery journey. They give him company and they are great at enjoying the simple things in life. Mark feels that the dogs are aware of his mood and respond in positive ways. They know what is needed to be well.
Being in nature
Mark walks every day around the local hills and parks. He does this in all weather and all seasons. Walking in beautiful, quiet places makes a positive difference to Mark. When he is in nature, he leaves his past behind him. The rhythm of walking, physical exercise and time
to himself make Mark feel soothed and calm.
Last year, Mark decided he wanted to take his walking to another level. He wanted to do a long walk, taking several days and include some wild camping. Walking in the most spectacular scenery really appealed to him.
A new journey
Mark decided he would walk the West Highland Way in Spring 2026. This walking trail is 96 miles long and goes from Milngavie to Fort William. On the way are key landmarks like Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
Mark wanted to challenge himself. This big walk will give him a physical challenge. But he also sees it as a chance to work through some of his experiences. Mark will have Jasper and Shep for company, and he knows that if the walk gets challenging, his dogs will be with him by his side.
Mark is looking forward to sitting on the end point bench in Fort William and feeling a real sense of achievement, acceptance and pride.
Raising awareness
Walking the West Highland Way is an important personal journey for Mark. It is part of his own recovery. But he also sees it as a chance to give back. Mark wants to use the walk to raise awareness about the PDSA. The PDSA looks after animals and supports people to take care of their pets too. By supporting the PDSA, Mark can help animals to have a better life.
Future Pathways supports lived experience groups, peer support and engagement activities. This policy tells you when we can reimburse you for expenses like travel and accommodation.
Please note that this information is applicable from April 2026 onwards.
Mary, Brit and Nicola work together to plan our Peer Support programme and run sessions and workshops. We find out more about the work they do.
Mary, Peer Support Lead
I am the Peer Support Lead. This means that I create the Peer Support programme. And I help make sure it runs smoothly. I also go to the Peer Support sessions and workshops to help make sure they run smoothly. You will see me in person and online groups.
You will see me in person and online groups until the middle of May. After that, I’ll be leaving Future Pathways to do a different role. The Peer Support programme will not change at all. It will be run by Brit and Nicola who are wonderful members of the Peer Support Team.
Brit, Engagement Coordinator
I am the Engagement Coordinator. My role is to give administrative support to the Peer Support Team. I manage the Peer Support phone line and email. I help people sign up for sessions and answer any questions. I also organise venues and catering for events.
During Peer Support sessions, I provide safeguarding. This means I help everyone feel safe and supported. Your safety and wellbeing is really important to the Peer Support Team.
Nicola, Peer Support Coordinator
I am the new Peer Support Coordinator. I am thrilled to be here at Future Pathways. I will help support existing groups and help create new ones too. I will also be working on developing new ways we can offer Peer Support.
I am passionate about Peer Support. In my previous jobs, I have helped create peer support communities. These are spaces where people can share their lived experience and everyone’s voice can be heard.
In December, we had a Peer Support workshop at Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC). We chat to Vanessa from ASC to find out more about their work.
Can you tell us a bit about Aberdeen Science Centre?
Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) is the oldest science centre in Scotland. We are a Scottish charity and have been running for over 35 years. We focus on science, technology, engineering and maths. We want to make these topics accessible, exciting and enjoyable for everyone.
What can we learn about at ASC?
Every year, we engage with over 65,000 people. This includes programmes for the public, schools and in the community. Our team of experts spark people’s curiosity. They want to inspire people, whatever their age or background. They help to turn tricky science into easy-to-understand activities.
Aberdeen Science Centre did one of our Peer Support workshops. Can you tell us more about the different types of workshops you do?
Our Community Team loves bringing science to life. We make our sessions to suit as many people as possible. Our workshops cover all sorts of topics. We do hands-on fun like volcanoes, space, and mixing chemicals. And we also do relaxed, chat-based sessions on mental health, nutrition, and how small healthy choices can make a big difference.
Our recent session with Future Pathways focused on nutrition and healthy eating. But, just as importantly, it gave everyone a chance to chat, connect, and enjoy a safe, welcoming space.
We had an amazing group of adults join us from all over the UK, including Cumbria, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Arbroath, Aberdeen, Inverurie, and York. It was so lovely to see people open up, share ideas, and support each other. We are looking forward to our next adventure!
For a tailored session or any enquiries: community@asc.scot
We are delighted to share Trevor’s new music with you. Listen to six new songs and read about the inspiration behind the music.
What was the inspiration for these songs?
The songs I write reflect my life. They are all part of my journey. I try to be honest and mindful as I know they might find an audience of others who have lived experience. So the idea is to show others that it is possible to help others – by showing that from suffering a positive mindset can arise.
What is your process for making new music? For example, do you write a song in one go or over several days?
I can write songs in a day or they can be ideas that I write then revisit later and try to work them into songs.
What does music mean to you?
For me writing, playing and recording songs is worth the effort and it opens my thinking to looking for good ideas.
What do you hope people might feel when they listen to your music?
I would like the listener to gain something hopeful if they hear the songs. Also, if any are moved to write their own then that is really something.
Group Agreement for Peer Support
In Peer Support sessions and workshops, we all follow the Group Agreement. It helps everyone feel safe, welcome and included.
Keep things private
You can talk about your own experience outside of the group, but do not share anyone else’s name or story.
No pressure
You choose what you want to share. You do not have to speak or answer a question. Some people come along to share, and some come to just listen and connect. It is up to you.
Listening with care
When someone is talking, we listen. We give each speaker our full attention. We do not have side conversations.
Respect differences
Everyone is different. We do not compare or judge. We all have different opinions. We can disagree, but we do not argue.
Take care of yourself
Your wellbeing comes first. If you need a break, you can leave the room. You do not need to explain why. If you leave the room, a member of the Peer Support Team will come to see if you are OK.
Make time for other people
Your own words are important but try to be aware of how long you are speaking for. The facilitator will also help to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
Sharing contact details
After the session, you can share contact details if you want. You do not have to do this. And you do not have to accept anyone else’s contact details or contact them.
Kindness
We treat everyone with kindness and respect. We do not speak about anyone in the group in an unkind way. We do not use abusive words.
Different journeys
Some people have thought about their own experience for many years. Some people may not
have shared their experience before. Everyone is welcome here, and we do not judge.
Stay on topic
We focus on our own experiences and on Peer Support. We focus on hope, experiences and connection.
Support to follow the Group Agreement
Everyone’s wellbeing is really important. We want to make sure everyone has a good experience in the group.
If someone is not following the agreement, a member of the Peer Support Team may:
- gently move the conversation along
- remind the person about the group agreement
- suggest a short break
If the same issue continues, a member of the Peer Support Team will:
- talk with the person privately
- make sure the person understands the group agreement
- talk about how to keep the sessions safe, welcoming and respectful
If a person’s behaviour makes the group unsafe, a member of the Peer Support Team might:
- ask that person to take a break from the session
- ask that person to leave the session
- talk to the person about how we can support them to take part in a way that keeps everyone safe
This Group Agreement has been created by people in our Peer Support community. If you have any questions about the Group Agreement or if you think anything is missing, contact the Peer Support Team:
Peer Support Team
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
You can download a copy of the Group Agreement below.