SURF Awards Winner:
Removing Barriers to Employabilty

What is the aim of the project?

To address high levels of non-engagement post pandemic.

Where is it taking place?

Operating in Blantyre and Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.

What has been achieved?

What I Need in Life (WIN) is a holistic service co-designed with clients that
adopts a whole person approach, incorporating physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects, whilst removing barriers to progression and enabling meaningful participation.

A self-funded pilot project, WIN was created with the single aim of re- engaging, post-pandemic, with those disadvantaged at a community level, and providing clients with a purpose and meaning. Offering an alternative pathway and access to a broad spectrum of support delivered by an established network of partners.

The clients supported by WIN face deep-rooted, complex barriers that often include poor mental health, disability, social isolation, trauma, homelessness, criminal convictions, and little or no work experience. They have disengaged from mainstream and statutory services as they are in crisis, and traditional employability approaches and support services do not reflect their reality at a time when they need help the most.

WIN offers clients a second chance, providing a safe, supported environment for them to build confidence, create stability and structure, and flourish at a pace they are comfortable with. It is not about quick fixes; it is about offering the right support at the right time, whilst focusing on equipping clients with the tools and skills to succeed in life, achieve their goals and aspirations, help alleviate poverty, and progress towards employment, further education, and/or training.

WIN is delivered by two Community Wellbeing Advisors (CWA) who offer personalised non-clinical support to help clients overcome barriers, reduce isolation, build trust, and empower them to take positive steps to achieve long-term change.

For WIN clients, a first step can be leaving home for the first time in
years, attending life skills sessions, accessing specialist support, such as addiction services through a trusted network of partners, or pursuing a volunteering opportunity. By breaking down barriers piece by piece, WIN restores belief that change is possible and that every person has something
to contribute.

Who is running it?

The programme is delivered by Routes to Work South, working with partners to provide wrap around support.

Why did the judging panel like it?

The WIN project is clearly filling a gap in two communities with the highest levels of deprivation in South Lanarkshire. During the visit, the judging team was given access to the WIN delivery team, including the very successful CWAs. The judges were impressed by the input from partners, who play an active role in the delivery of WIN. The judging team also had the pleasure of meeting five of the WIN participants, who each told their story of the support they had received and the impact it had on their lives.

The judges were very impressed with how the CWAs were able to work with
participants, helping them to overcome deep-rooted complex barriers that were preventing them from moving on and improving their lives, with participants telling judges that the WIN project had been life changing for them.