STEPS 2 SUCCESS

The Steps2Success programme is an innovative, empowerment-based employability initiative designed to address systemic barriers for individuals who have been out of work, education, or training. Delivered in forensic mental health settings and community spaces, the programme holistically enhances mental well-being, resilience, and practical skills. By equipping participants with tools for employment readiness, including work experience, networking opportunities, and personal development, we empower them to create sustainable change in their lives.

End of Programme Feedback:

“I have anxiety and the workshops helped me come out of my comfort zone and open up more” KA, participant

“The workshops have helped me understand how important my business and life choices are” TS, participant

“Facilitators were always punctual for each session. The delivery of each session was done in a clear and timely manner. All service users were able to engage and follow instructions given. What I enjoyed most about the sessions were that the facilitators have made a good effort in building good therapeutic relationships with the service users, this added real value to the sessions. The facilitators were able to work at a pace where the service users were able to grasp the contents of the lesson. The service users who engaged in the sessions reported how well they have enjoyed the sessions. This is a true testament as they always turn up for their sessions. Even if they cannot do the full session, they made an effort to attend. I would like to see more of these sessions offered to our service users.” RW, Clinical Inequalities Lead

"The programme was innovative and interesting, providing practical life lessons and preparation. It effectively increased thinking processes and brought out the potential in people, uncovering surprising talents and instilling hope. It successfully changed opinions and dispelled judgments. Additionally, the homework encouraged patients to continue reflecting even after the session ended." JR, Clinical Lead

Results So Far

•Expansion through a two-year NHS England commission to deliver the programme across four forensic mental health secure units in the West Midlands.

•An additional opportunity with the North London Forensic Collaborative to widen our reach to forensic mental health service users in London.

•Demonstrated impact on clinical outcomes, with professionals commending the therapeutic relationships built by facilitators and the innovative approach to personal development.

By bridging mental health empowerment and employability, the Steps2Success programme is creating tangible pathways to independence and systemic change.

STAGED REALITIES: A Forum Theatre Approach to Youth Criminal Diversionary Work

A reoccurring theme across publications pertaining to criminal activity is that localities, where there is high police demand have increased levels of deprivation and mental ill-health. Research across a range of fields including sociology, criminology and psychology have highlighted that limited access to amenities combined with persistent criminalisation, peer pressure and an innate need to belong are catalysts to defiance, lawlessness and mental ill-health. Whilst these discourses do report on the adverse societal and institutional experiences faced by young offenders, young people as agents of their own experience and the root causes of offending behaviours are often overlooked. The Cultural Connection’s Staged Realities methodology is an adaption of dramatist Augusto Boal’s Forum Theatre and encourages young people to become moral agents in scenarios relatable to their everyday lives.

End of Programme Feedback:

"When the students were asked which session interested them the most the students selected the Cultural Connection which received 80% of the student votes. It was clear from reading the student evaluations that not only was the content and delivery enjoyable, but it proved to be sobering aswell. The students were able to recognise the impact that bullying, knife crime and other lessons taught throughout the sessions would have on their lives. When I analysed the student comments all 146 of them. I must confess I have yet to witness impact like this from any external company invited to deliver content of this magnitude here at this school. The sessions were also quality assured by a Head of Department and his opinion of the session was that:

'The Cultural Connection established rapport with the students immediately. This helped with relationship building. The outcomes of the sessions could only be positive from this point onward.' ALN – Head of Department

I went into the sessions on at least 4 different occasions and the atmosphere on each occasion was vibrant each time."
– JS, Head Teacher

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