Spotlight on Volunteering with Better Pathways

Who are Better Pathways? 

Better Pathways is a Birmingham-based mental health charity, dedicated to supporting people with poor mental health, learning disabilities and other neurodiverse conditions into paid employment, education, training and volunteering. 

In our social enterprises, we work with some of the most hard-to-reach people in our communities, developing their skills and confidence, empowering them to believe that they can achieve their aspirations for a fulfilling and rewarding life. Our participants tell us that without Better Pathways, they would feel isolated and without purpose.  

How do volunteers support Better Pathways and its social enterprises? 

Our volunteers play a vital role across the entire organisation. They provide support in our reception area and greet our visitors and our participants, support our daily social enterprise operations, and go out delivering orders to all our social enterprise customers.  

As Better Pathways is a charity with a relatively small team, the contribution of volunteers is invaluable. Their support allows our staff to dedicate more of their time to working with participants on an individual basis, enabling them to build their strengths, grow their skills and support them towards education, employment and volunteering.  

Many of our volunteers have personal experiences with poor mental health, either through their own experiences or through loved ones. They understand how isolating it can be to face challenges alone. This allows our volunteers to genuinely connect with and support our participants. Thanks to our volunteers, our participants benefit from a strong social network, providing regular opportunities for meaningful interaction and reducing feelings of isolation.  

Kim’s Journey with Better Pathways – From volunteer to valued staff member: 

Kim began his journey with Better Pathways in 2016, volunteering within our Better Woodwork social enterprise. Initially, he assisted our Woodcraft Technician, teaching participants and getting involved in the design of products. 

Before joining Better Pathways, Kim had a long history of working in woodcraft-related roles across various companies. However, due to the industry quietening down, he needed to reskill and retrain. Kim enrolled in university to pursue an Engineering degree. Unfortunately, after graduating, he struggled to find roles in engineering, affecting his confidence. Seeking to reconnect with employment, Kim received support from a Better Pathways Employment Advisor. This introduction led Kim to our social enterprises, where he began to gain work experience and gently reintroduce himself to a work environment and routine. 

Kim appreciated the relaxed, supportive environment at Better Pathways, which prioritises wellbeing and allows individuals to grow their skills at their own pace. He found it to be a space where he could participate in meaningful activities within a friendly setting. 

As Kim continued to volunteer, his dedication, skills, and charisma were evident. When our previous Woodcraft Technician retired, Kim was a natural fit to fill the role. He has now been employed by Better Pathways as Better Woodwork’s Woodcraft Technician for two years. This position has provided Kim with stability and a renewed sense of purpose, alleviating the anxiety he previously felt about claiming benefits and visiting the Job Centre. 

Kim’s experience with Better Pathways has given him a more positive outlook on life and hope for the future. He no longer struggles with the issues that once weighed him down and enjoys a fulfilling role that makes a tangible difference in the community. 

Kim invites the Birmingham community to join Better Woodwork; we are searching for volunteers to support the production process for all our new products. At Better Woodwork, volunteers can develop their skills and confidence, and if desired, they can register with one of our employment programmes for further support. 

What do volunteers say about their experience of supporting Better Pathways? 

Nigel, a Volunteer Driver for our social enterprise, Better Packing (previously a police officer of 31 years!), says the following about his experience with Better Pathways: “It’s very obvious, that in the short time I’ve been here [Better Pathways], it’s a very practical and rewarding environment. To assist those who perhaps, otherwise, may not be in work. Everyone is really friendly, and it is a calming and sociable atmosphere.” 

What difference do volunteers make? 

Naseem Taswar, Service Delivery Manager at Better Pathways, says: “Our volunteers create a huge impact in Better Pathways. Every day, they bring warmth, support, skills and experience, helping us to create a welcoming environment where individuals can thrive. We couldn't achieve our mission without their commitment and generosity. All our volunteers embody the spirit of Birmingham and its communities, and we are incredibly grateful for them." 

How can local people support Better Pathways and your social enterprises?  

By contributing your time with us, you will be making a real difference to the lives of the people we support, helping us to create a brighter future for the citizens of Birmingham. 

Better Pathways offers a range of activities and roles to be involved in, and numerous opportunities to connect with our participants and support our social enterprises. If you are interested in volunteering, get in touch! 

Call: 0121 773 1455

Email: [email protected]

Visit: www.betterpathways.org.uk