Pathways to Independence

Vision

Our vision is of a world in which all young people are able to fulfill their potential and make the transition to independence and adult life.

Mission

Our mission is to provide advice and support for young people who have experienced disadvantage and isolation.

Ambition

Our ambition is to develop a replicable and cost-effective model of good practice for agencies and individuals involved in the care of young people.

Pathways Core Values

Potential

We believe all young people are capable of and should be empowered to realise their goals, fulfil their potential and choose their pathway to independence.

People

We believe young people should have equality of opportunity, whoever they are and whatever their background.

Participation

We promote young people’s agency and recognise the impact they can have on their communities.

Pathways’ Aims

To support young people to make the transition to independence and empower them to make positive choices about their lives by:

• Providing flexible, safe and caring home environments for young people through offering supported housing in places where their educational, employment, training, health and leisure needs are met.
• Facilitating young people’s development of independent living skills through one-to-one and group sessions.
• Offering personal support to young people by providing advice, advocacy, and brokering access to services based on an assessment of their individual, cultural, learning and social needs.
• Enabling young people to make choices about their future on the basis of full information and realistic expectations of the options available to them.

To facilitate young people’s inclusion and participation in their communities by:

• Working in partnership with agencies to deliver effective support services and building links between young people and other voluntary and community groups.
• Facilitating opportunities for young people to participate in decision making and positively contribute to their communities.
• Informing and supporting young people to realise their rights and entitlements.
• Adopting a dynamic and responsive approach to meeting the needs of young people and Local Authorities.

To collaborate with young people and other organisations to positively influence local and national policy and practice by:

• Raising awareness of young people’s experiences and challenging negative stereotypes.
• Disseminating information on good practice and offering training to Local Authorities and other service providers.
• Lobby for changes in law and practice that negatively impact on young people.