Mansfield charity project secures another award for community impact

The group says the award is recognition for the crucial impact it continues to have on local communities.

Portland College in Mansfield launched the pathways initiative in 2017 and so far, it has had 782 referrals, with 76 per cent of those being people with disabilities.

Its overall objective as a charity is to promote independence, health and well-being and employability and provide vulnerable people with better futures.

The service has so far supported 157 people into employment and this continues to grow as it strengthens relationships with local employers.

To date, 373 people have enrolled on to the charity’s recovery college courses and the charity has delivered 323 one-to-one counselling hours.

Mark Dale, principal and chief executive of Portland College commented, “The pathways team really are the best at what they do and this award confirms that.

“Our vision of providing all people with disabilities with a lifetime of opportunity is not only achieved through our further education and care provision for young people, but in our community hubs for adults too.

“With 271 referrals to pathways in 2019-20, the impact on our community and the local economy is clear.

"I’m tremendously proud of the team for leading such a successful initiative and our robust plans will ensure that we continue to support employment and economic growth within the region for years to come.

“With the current economic downturn and high unemployment rates forecast by the Government for 2021, the need for Portland Pathways has never been greater and the team continues to shine, securing nine job starts for customers in November.

“I also want to pay tribute local employer Linney who have backed Pathways financially for all this time and National Lotteries Community Fund.

If you’re an individual looking for employment, or an employer needing support with your recruitment, I urge you to contact our fantastic team who will do everything they can to help you.”

This prestigious award marks the third award the team have won since launching three years ago.

"The first award in 2018 was the Chad Business Award for Community Contribution, followed by the Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Award for Commitment to the Community.

“Throughout the pandemic we identified opportunities to help further by hosting the Sutton Community food bank’s ‘Let’s All Eat’ programme.

“As a charity ourselves, we know how crucial donations are, particularly during a pandemic where resources are over-stretched, so we further supported the foodbank by donating more than 2,000 meals and helped them to secure funding to continue for another year.

“If you’re looking for employment, need support to develop new skills or access to recovery college courses or counselling service, email [email protected] or call 01623 499193.