Community organisations in Sheffield are uniting to create greater life opportunities for individuals in emergency and temporary accommodation.

Recognising that sustainable independence requires more than just housing support, St Anne’s Community Services is leading a dynamic partnership that is that focusing on rebuilding confidence, enhancing wellbeing, and equipping clients who have experienced homelessness with essential life and employment skills.

At the forefront of the initiative is St Anne’s Training and Activity Coordinator, Sam Padidar-Nazar, who highlights the programme’s transformative impact:

“We have taken a big picture view and developed a programme which is about creating spaces where individuals feel valued, inspired, and supported. So far, we have taken clients orienteering, climbing, and even hiking in the Peak District, alongside regular gym sessions.”

Working alongside Places Leisure, Sheffield City Council’s Changing Futures Programme, employment specialists ‘Endeavour,’ and Sheffield’s ‘Community Wellness Group’, the initiative blends physical wellbeing with employability support, ensuring participants gain both a pathway to a healthier lifestyle and improved employment prospects.

Maddie Sweetman, Project Coordinator with Endeavour, emphasised the programme’s practical impact:

“We’ve concentrated on equipping participants with skills and confidence for the workplace. We have even been able to support people with interview clothing following their departure from Bevin Court.”

The impact on participants has been profound. Those involved have shared their experiences:

• “It keeps me focused, and I feel so much better about myself. I want to look forward, and this is really helping.”
• “I feel I can achieve things again, and I am starting to gain the motivation to want to do more – something I have not felt in a long time.”
• “I felt low. But now, it’s like I am bettering myself for the first time in years. It has taken time to believe that I could do things. I just did not believe in myself anymore.”
• “I never thought I would do these things, like abseiling and caving. My life never gave me that chance. But now, I am pushing myself. I want to try more – not just the activities, but for myself and my future.”

Azra Kirkby, CEO of St Anne’s Community Services, praised the multi-agency approach:

“Cross-sector collaboration can lead to life-changing outcomes. By combining expertise in health, wellbeing, and employability, Bevin Court has created a wraparound programme that empowers individuals with the right skills and wellbeing tools to move forward to brighter futures. It is remarkable to see the transformations.”

Pictured below are images of some of the activities undertaken: