This report presents the findings from an evaluation of the Employment Pathways project at Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, through Reaching Communities, over the period March 2015 – February 2018.

Key findings

• Reflection 1. The Employment Pathways project has exceeded its targets by supporting more members into volunteering and employment than anticipated. The team has also supported more members than anticipated in gaining at least one new qualification.
• Reflection 2. Members involved in the Employment Pathways project report very high satisfaction with the activities and courses run by the Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire team.
• Reflection 3. Crisis has developed strong and trusting partnerships with local employers across Coventry & Warwickshire, which have been vital in supporting members’ progress into employment.
• Reflection 4. Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire staff are innovators who think creatively to address individual- and system-level barriers facing Crisis members.
• Reflection 5. Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire works continuously to develop relationships across a range of homelessness organisations in the local area, which helps to effectively reach some of the most vulnerable in society.
• Reflection 6. There is evidence of good joint working within the Skylight to help ensure Crisis members are provided with the right support, at the right time.
• Reflection 7. The 1:1 support provided by Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire is holistic and person-centred.
• Reflection 8. Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire is working towards more effectively preventing members becoming dependent on the Crisis service.
• Reflection 9. Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire has intervened when other services have failed to effectively meet members’ multiple and complex needs, or when services have been withdrawn (for a range of reasons).
• Reflection 10. Members are valued and involved in the design of services provided by Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire.

Reference

Dartington Service Design Lab (2018) Employment Pathways at Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire. London: Crisis.