We are pleased to share Side by Side, our latest impact report. This takes us through our work in 2025/26, looking at how Future Pathways has improved and where we’d like to develop our learning. The report shows the different ways in which people are supported at Future Pathways as we walk side by side with people on their journey.
We continue to see that the relationships we build are fundamental to impactful support. Over time and in collaboration with people, we nurture relationships, resolve challenges and sustain connection. It is through this relational support that Future Pathways creates space for an outcomes-focused approach in which people can reflect on their lives and identify their needs and aspirations throughout their journey with us.
We know that a person’s circumstances can change over time and that needs can be complex and specific to the individual. Our unique model recognises and reflects this, bringing together direct support, commissioned support and access to existing services. It’s through this multi-faceted, tailored approach that significant change can take place: people can feel an increase in safety and comfort, improved their mental health, a sense of purpose and direction, and greater independence and confidence.
Over the past year, the scope of our work has extended through the introduction of Peer Support, established in direct response to people seeking opportunities to learn together, support each other, and advocate for themselves and for others. Following a co-design project with our lived experience voice group, we now have a programme through which people can connect, share what matters to them and see the value of their own insights.
Centring lived experience is crucial to creating effective and impactful services. When there is a real sense of choice and agency built into support, people are more able to make the changes they wish to see in their lives. This tailored approach is also made possible by working with our dedicated Delivery Partners. Our commissioning model creates access to an extensive range of support, including record search support, counselling, coaching, support work, education, advocacy and creative interests.
In addition, Future Pathways often creates a route between our own service and others, such as housing and homelessness support, mental health support, financial advice and statutory services including the NHS and social work. Having built trust with Future Pathways, people can feel more comfortable with referrals, learn more about existing services, navigate barriers to access and feel better able to advocate for themselves. This bridging between our own service and the wider sector is vital in addressing the substantial and persistent inequalities experienced by people registered with Future Pathways.
When approaching such systemic adversity, it is essential that services consider how support can successfully and meaningfully contribute to the restoration and protection of rights. Here, the voices of people with lived experience must be prioritised. By listening to others, valuing each person’s insight and walking side by side, we can create impactful support at each step of the journey.
