Last week, Portland Pathways were excited to be invited to the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony as national finalists of the Equality Trailblazer Award.
The virtual awards ceremony recognised and promoted the best of British businesses, and while we didn’t win the award, being a national finalist is a huge achievement.
Portland Pathways opened in 2017 with a focus on bridging the disability employment gap locally.
With hubs in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield, our programmes and 1:1 support help people with disabilities and mental health challenges to develop skills and prepare for and find employment.
In partnership with the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, our Recovery College courses help to improve mental health, and our 1:1 counselling sessions enable people to overcome barriers to employment.
Since opening, the service has already received 4 prestigious awards in recognition of our community impact. We have received nearly 900 referrals, secured over 200 jobs for our customers and enrolled 431 people onto Recovery College courses.
We are expanding further across the county so more people can benefit from our unique service, with a hub opening in Worksop in the new year and plans to open in Kirkby in Ashfield in Spring.
Tim Richmond OBE, Chair of Governors commented, “We are extremely proud of the national recognition Portland Pathways received as finalists in the British Chambers of Commerce Awards. The team have worked hard to create and grow the Pathways initiative which provides vital, life-changing services to hundreds of vulnerable people each year. In its short four years, it has already achieved so much and we have exciting plans to further increase its impact across the county next year.”
Dr Mark Dale, Principal and CEO added, “As part of the Portland Charity Group, Portland Pathways supports our vision of providing a lifetime of opportunity for people with disabilities. Mental Health issues and disability unemployment are national challenges. Pathways aims to tackle these challenges locally by providing courses to improve people’s mental health and well-being and supporting disabled people to find long-term work. The huge impact the team have already had is clear and this national recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate their achievements so far.”
If you are looking for work, need help to improve your mental health or are a business who wants to become more accessible, contact our team today on 01623 499193, email pathways@portland.ac.uk or visit www.portland.ac.uk.