Positive Pathways 2025 Launch

Our supported volunteering scheme in Leigh Park was awarded more than £320,000 for the programme which helps improve the lives of people facing difficulties. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate at our Launch event at the Leigh Park Centre on 11 February.

Positive Pathways, run by Community First, is a scheme for Havant Borough residents aged 18+ who need help and support to rebuild confidence and skills for everyday life.

People with mental health issues, a history of crime, crime victims or those that are vulnerable or have been unemployed for a long time receive support through team volunteering, mentoring, training, workshops and social activities.

The programme was recently awarded £302,954 over five years from the National Lottery Community Fund and more than £24,000 by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Emerging Needs Fund to fund its new structured 24-week programme.

The programme includes a weekly training session and two to three social activities such as healthy cookery sessions, gardening, painting and decorating, conservation work and a drop in for a “chat and cuppa” at the Leigh Park Centre. Participants can set their own goals allowing Community First to create a bespoke “positive pathway” for each client helping them to develop purpose, a sense of achievement, confidence and improve their wellbeing.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive Officer of Community First, spoke at the programme launch event and said: “We are extremely grateful to be able to continue supporting people to reconnect with their communities.

“Since 2017 we have helped more than 300 clients to create their own pathways to live fuller, healthier lives, improve their confidence while gaining valuable work experience and eventually move them closer to employment.”

Individuals like Steph Chaplen benefit from the programme, and she spoke at the event about finding a love for writing and becoming a published author while supported by Positive Pathways.

“Four years ago my mental health was in tatters. With the help of Positive Pathways I was able to manage my illness myself and develop resilience and strength of character.

“A short story competition run by Positive Pathways inspired me to write a story about four friends on a summer vacation. Fast forward four years and I have written and published two books, with a third hoping to be published this year.

“When writing these books I noticed a big change on my outlook in life in general, I could ignore unnecessary clutter in my head and focus on the positive. I’ve learned how to be mindful and prioritise things that are important.

“I would recommend Positive Pathways to anyone who perhaps needs help building confidence or social skills. It has helped me to become more in control of my thoughts, feelings and actions – so much so that I’m about to become a volunteer with The Safe Haven.”

The launch event was attended by representatives from organisations that work with and support Positive Pathways including Terry Norton, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Lucy Tennant, Funding Manager at the National Lottery Community Fund and Robin Nettleton, Counselling Psychologist.

In addition to Positive Pathways, Community First operates Community Spirit, a similar supported volunteering scheme in Gosport. Members were invited to attend the Launch, being brought over by a Community First minibus, those attending the event said it was “very inspiring to listen to the journey that people had made with Positive Pathways” and “nice to meet people who have a similar passion to us”.

The event was rounded off with a fantastic spread provided by Community First’s Leigh Park Centre Catering Service to power a great amount of networking between the many different representatives in the room.

Find out more about Positive Pathways