Pathways to Independence is our central programme that aims to set people on their own pathway towards independence from charity and state support, from the moment they arrive in the Chichester area. Our Pathways to Independence Programme Manager, Kerry Foster, has been evolving the programme and building networks to support her work since she joined us in January 2023. Her three key areas of work are:
- Coordinating support for individuals based on their own pathways, which are all co-designed during one-to-one sessions – there are a couple of case studies below to illustrate how this support can look for different people.
- Building networks and developing partnerships with local community projects and other organisations, to help us provide sustainable long-term support for beneficiaries, and produce positive outcomes in education, training and employment. See the presentation on some of our partnerships below.
- Overcoming barriers with employers. This impactful work includes providing information sessions and one-to-one support with employers and charities to overcome barriers to recruiting refugees and asylum seekers, including supporting people into volunteering. Here’s some recent feedback on a talk Kerry did for St Wilifid’s Hospice, on supporting refugees to volunteer: “Your talk was really informative and useful and certainly opened some eyes as well.”; “An interesting talk and I hope it will lead to stronger links between St Wilf’s and Sanctuary in the future.”; “The presenter was great. Really passionate and informative. Could have listened to her for longer.” If you would like Kerry’s support to help your organisation recruit and retain refugee staff, email her at kerryfoster@sanctuaryinchichester.org.
MORE DETAILS ON PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
Matrix have to date (11/24) seen 30 of those we support both in the community and hotel multiple times for help with CVs, registration with local employment agencies, ad hoc support for up and coming interviews, and advice around how to search for jobs. We share a spreadsheet of meetings so we can work together to fill the gaps around employability needs and sharing resources. Kerry says, “It’s been a great example of partnership working as they have offered tailored and specific support to individuals, and at just the times when it has been needed. They also came along on the 19th November to jointly support with mock interview practice and Q&A preparation to support those that are on a Level 1 ‘Preparing to Work in the Adult Care Sector’ course.” (See details below.)
Chichester Library – Some recent feedback from the Library on the Digital Gifting Scheme: “It is wonderful to see the positive impact that the project has, and it is a pleasure to be a part of it! To hear that two [refugees] have secured employment through receiving a device gifted to them to complete training is fantastic news!”
Functional Skills UK – We have 15 people signed up to do the Level 1 course on preparing to work in the adult care sector. The course includes a guaranteed interview upon completion and a preparation interview day.
CASE STUDIES
Asifa & Hanifa
Sisters Asifa and Hanifa arrived in the UK from Afghanistan in April, and in Chichester in June 2024, when Kerry met them at the weekly drop-in social event.
- Initial consultation with Kerry when their Pathway to Independence Plans were created, and needs identified in finding ESOL (English) classes, guidance on midwifery, and finding employment.
- Meeting set up with Chichester College Progression Plus at the drop-in for advice and guidance around midwifery, started From Adversity to University bridging module at the University of Chichester and signed up to ESOL course at Chichester College.
- Referred to Matrix for support with CV and registering with recruitment agencies.
- The Job Centre advised Kerry of an interview day available for a job in the care sector – a message was sent out to all those seeking employment, with details, and the sisters booked an interview slot with The Job Centre.
- Kerry arranged ad hoc sessions for both sisters with Matrix to prepare for the interview by practising interview skills and looking at typical Q&As for that specific role.
- They were successful at interview, offered positions, and started to engage in online training as part of the onboarding process. Supported with access to training due to lack of IT skills.
- Hanifa withdrew from the recruitment process due to having no laptop to complete the online training needed to secure employment.
- Kerry contacted the hiring manager to explain and ask that Hanifa be reinstated.
- Kerry applied to the Library’s Digital Gifting Scheme and secured a laptop for both sisters to complete their online training.
- Kerry gave further support and guidance around suitable references.
- The sisters started employment and are continuing to enjoy their work.
See Asifa’s story here >>
Mohammed
Mohammed is the father of Asifa and Hanifa, and also met with Kerry at the drop-in, in June 2024.
- His Pathway to Independence Plan was created during his initial consultation with Kerry, when she found he is a skilled tailor hoping to find employment but he needed support finding ESOL classes, as his English was very limited.
- Referred to Matrix to create a CV with support of his daughter to translate.
- Mohammed and his wife enrolled on ESOL course with Prevista to improve English over the summer, and were supported to register for ESOL at Chichester College starting in September.
- A SiC volunteer spoke with Mohammed at the drop-in then to Kerry for advice before approaching a local tailoring business.
- The SiC volunteer supported Mohammed through an interview and skills assessment, and he was offered a job!
- Questions arose to Kerry from the volunteer regarding concerns that initially the work was going to be unpaid. Advice and guidance given to the volunteer and Mohammed, along with signposting for them and the employer to Citizens Advice and employment law and regulations.
- Mohammed signed an employment contract and started working 16 hours a week as a tailor.
- Referred to Refugee Employability Programme for access to interpreters to provide further support if necessary.
See Mohammed’s story here >>