A PARTNERSHIP between Oakland International and Birmingham-based Better Pathways has been hailed a success at helping people with employment opportunities.
The Redditch-based company and mental health charity started working together early last year with Oakland initially sponsoring two people on the Better Pathways LIVE Vocational Pathways Programme in September.
After initially sponsoring Lee Jennings and Mark Bettam, Oakland is now supporting two additional places on the programme, with Lee now employed with Oakland’s catering team two days a week.
Oakland’s head of talent management, Kate Hewitt, said: “We were excited to begin this journey with Better Pathways and didn’t expect our relationship with the charity to be as rewarding as it has been to date.
“It is incredibly humbling and heartwarming for all involved to witness how much value it has added to our initial participants, Lee and Mark.”
Kate added it was incredible to see their confidence grow and to be involved in a scheme which really brought joy whilst adding to their self-esteem.
“The time Lee and Mark spent on site was hugely successful and they were a real joy to host,” she said.
“Supporting Better Pathways is about giving back and giving people experience of a real work environment. The most important aspect for us is being able to give participants work exposure and supporting them to help build their self-esteem and confidence.”
Oakland believes mental health and neurodiversity need not be a barrier to returning to the workplace and it plans to train several carefully identified team members as mental health first aiders and first responders as part of its support of MHFA – Mental Health First Aid training.
Better Pathways’ chief executive, Sue Roberts, added: “We are enormously grateful to have the support of Oakland International for the important work we do, supporting people with disabilities and complex needs into employment, enabling them to live their best lives.
“Corporate partnerships of this nature are an excellent way of involving employees and the broader community in the work of local charities, growing an awareness of the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and building crucial support networks.”
