The Support to Succeed programme continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of customers across Greater Manchester, empowering individuals to overcome personal barriers and move towards a more confident, independent future.

One standout example is Steph, who was referred to the programme at the beginning of the year by a social prescriber. Already known to various services, Steph shared that she has a mild learning difficulty. In recent years, she experienced profound loss, having lost both parents, and had to leave her family home to move into a one-bedroom social housing flat. Despite receiving tenancy support, Steph was taken advantage of by a neighbour who stole from her after initially appearing friendly.

Understandably, Steph’s confidence and trust in others were at a low point. But with the help of her Support to Succeed keyworker, a plan was gently developed to help her move forward. Through respectful and consistent conversations, Steph began to rebuild her confidence.

Her journey started with volunteering at a local food bank, where she worked in a team packing bags and interacting with the public. Encouraged by her progress, Steph then took on a second volunteering role at a charity shop, handling stock and serving customers. This was a significant step up and a clear reflection of her growing self-belief.

The pinnacle of Steph’s progress came when she bravely agreed to appear in a promotional video for the programme. Despite feeling nervous, she showed up and did an incredible job, demonstrating just how far she has come. You can view this video and see the impact that Support to Succeed has had on Steph throughout her journey here: Support to Succeed – Steph’s Journey

Steph’s story is a powerful reminder that Support to Succeed is not just about employment; it’s about helping people overcome the real-life challenges that hold them back. Whether it’s rebuilding confidence, managing health conditions, or navigating life after loss, the programme offers tailored, one-to-one support that meets people where they are.

If you know a customer who could benefit from this kind of support, don’t hesitate to refer them. Together, we can help more people like Steph take the first steps towards a brighter future.