The first round of the Path to Purpose fund supported 11 organisations from across Wigan borough, each delivering projects designed to help residents overcome barriers that can make employment feel out of reach.
These projects focused on people who may be experiencing challenges such as poor mental health, long term unemployment, social isolation or financial pressures. By working directly within communities and offering flexible, supportive programmes, organisations have been able to meet people where they are and help them begin rebuilding confidence.
Across the borough, funded organisations have been delivering a wide range of activities to support residents on their journey, including wellbeing programmes, practical skills training, creative opportunities and community-based support.
This has included confidence building and employability programmes delivered by organisations such as Boxing for Better, Embrace Wigan and Leigh, The Connect Centre and The Pelican Centre, alongside skills development and accredited learning opportunities from Wigan Workshop, Everyday Lessons, The Greengrass Centre and Fur Clemt.
Other projects have focused on opening new opportunities through creativity and culture, with The Snug delivering arts-based programmes, while organisations such as Beauty For Ashes and Higher Folds Works have provided specialist support for refugees, migrant women and people experiencing social isolation.
Outdoor and nature-based wellbeing programmes delivered by Complete Kindness CIC have also helped residents reconnect with their communities and begin exploring new pathways forward.
Together, these projects demonstrate the important role community organisations play in helping residents take positive first steps towards training, volunteering and employment.
Following the success of the first round, the Path to Purpose fund is now reopening for a second round of funding, creating new opportunities for organisations across the borough to support residents facing barriers to employment.
WBCF is inviting VCFSE organisations to bring forward project ideas that can help people who are currently out of work to rebuild confidence, strengthen life skills and take steps towards training, volunteering or employment.
The programme is particularly focused on reaching residents who may be furthest from traditional services, including those experiencing long term unemployment, social isolation or other challenges that can make it difficult to access opportunities.
Through Round Two, WBCF will continue to invest in community led projects that provide supportive, locally delivered pathways for residents to reconnect with opportunities and move forward at their own pace.
Organisations interested in applying can find full guidance and application details on the WBCF website. For more information on Path to Purpose Round 2, including how to apply, visit our website now.
The Path to Purpose programme sits within the wider Progress With Unity ambitions for Wigan Borough, which focus on reducing inequality and creating fair opportunities for residents to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Community organisations often have the strongest relationships with local residents and are well placed to provide support in ways that feel accessible and relevant. By investing in VCFSE organisations, the programme helps ensure that support is delivered within communities by people who understand the challenges residents may be facing.
Through Path to Purpose, WBCF works to channel funding into locally led solutions, enabling organisations to design projects that respond to the needs of their communities while helping residents take positive steps towards training, volunteering and employment.
As the programme moves into its second round, the continued investment highlights the important role that community organisations play in supporting people to rebuild confidence, develop new skills and explore new opportunities for the future.
Applications are now open, with submissions for Round Two closing on Wednesday March 25 at noon.
