Pathways to Independence

On the London Eye

Finding A Positive Pathway

Sam Leicester joined Pathways to Independence (Pathways) in March 2008 as part of a major career change. Sam had worked in commercial design for a number of years after completing his degree in fine art and a PGCE specialising in art education.

Sam explains, “I was looking to change careers and wanted to work for an organisation which could help me develop and achieve my long term goals of becoming an Art Therapist. I knew I needed to develop skills in working with vulnerable client groups and better understand social care. I had heard about the excellent work Pathways were doing and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Pathways employs 10 Keyworkers who work directly with young people to provide support, care and guidance as they seek to establish independent lives within their communities. Keyworkers work closely with young people whilst establishing strong relationships with social workers, support workers and other agencies.

Sam comments, “There is so much to learn from working with other agencies and groups. Recently I have worked with RASP, Youth Opportunities Fund, CAMHS and so many great people from Brighton and Hove Local Authorities. It is like being part of a much bigger team.”

Pathways works hard to recognise the individual potential of each member of the team and helps them to pursue their own pathway. Every Keyworker at Pathways has access to a training budget and can develop skills in their own areas of interest.

Alice Conroy, founder of Pathways explains, “A person-centred approach runs through every aspect of Pathways. We believe that each member of the team brings different strengths and skills and we seek to support this with training and development opportunities.”

Working with the support of Surrey County Council and the Youth Opportunities Fund, Sam established the Pathways Art Club to give young people a chance to express their creativity.

Sam describes how “Art can be a fantastic way of helping people of different languages and cultures to express their feelings, hopes, fears and aspirations. Art has given many young people a voice within Pathways and within their broader communities and it has given me the chance to work with resilient, spirited and inspiring young people with a wealth of resources and capability.”

Although scaling back his Pathways commitments recently to undertake a Masters Degree in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, Sam continues to work with Pathways on a part-time basis.

If you would like to download a PDF version of this case study please click here or to meet some of our other Keyworkers click here.