The case studies below are based on real service users that have been through Pathwaze. They highlight a few of the many success stories Pathwaze has had and the processes followed to achieve the transformation for the Service Users.
Case study a
Service User ‘A’ was referred to us with a variety of challenges. He suffered from severe anxiety, paranoia, depression and a drug addiction to heroin, cocaine, cannabis and alcohol which he was battling for twelve years. He started using drugs in his early teens, which led to him engage in crimes to fund his habits. After his second custodial sentence in prison for robbery, he was referred to Pathwaze which marked the beginning of change for him.
Case study b
Service user ‘B’ was first referred to an alternate supported housing organisation and was later assigned to Pathwaze in 2016. His Pathwaze support worker immediately identified that he had speech and learning difficulties which had gone unnoticed.
He had challenges understanding instructions that on average would be deemed as simple and equally found it difficult to express himself or articulate his thoughts. The service user’s support worker liaised with his probation officer and was able to identify patterns which demonstrated there was a link between his offences and his learning difficulties. His learning difficulties had influence on his behaviour. The key worker also discovered that the service user lacked confidence due to poor communication skills which made it very hard for him to socialise with others. He had also been prescribed anti-depressants.
Service User “B” fell under the influence of negative peers that pressured him into committing crime with and for them. He mistook this exploitation for friendship and committed street crimes for the comradery. These negative relationships became a cathartic release for his years of social exclusion due to his differences from others. Service User “B’s” probation officer noted that he often grew hostile and even aggressive when he failed to understand something or could not get others to understand points he was trying to articulate. Considering this it became a fair assumption that “B’s” disregard for the law and often reckless behaviours were as much manifestations of his frustration as they were the influence of fraternal organised crime.
Case study c
Service User “C” was referred to us by a community organization based in London. He had recently been released from prison after serving four years for a firearms charge. The service user was heavily involved in drug dealing and robbery as well as gang violence. He was also a heavy cannabis user and due to his connections with people involved in the sale of the drug he was able to obtain it for much cheaper than the street value and often for free.
“C” struggled with mental health challenges and was also reluctant to engage with external counselling and anger management therapy because he felt he would not benefit from the treatments. His Pathwaze key worker implemented in-house counselling & anger management workshops. “C” had not held any legitimate employment prior to his prison sentence because his only means of sustenance was through funds he received from illegal means. “C” was unable to live with family due to family disputes and therefore had no support.
Whilst in prisons service user “C” obtained a degree in accountancy, he also developed a keen interest in brokering and the stock market. He was unable to find employment with companies like JP Morgan despite getting interviews for them due to his criminal record. “C” attempted working as a personal trainer but was not able to support himself with this as he felt unmotivated and his homeless circumstances later complicated issues for him.
Client testimonial
“I left prison in 2016 and Pathwaze contacted me about 2 months after my release. I did not think that they would actually be able to help me because I had companies that said they would but never actually did anything.
Pathwaze made sure that I was accountable to myself by ensuring I attend my probation appointments and other important appointments I needed to get to. They checked in on my wellbeing – in fact, they would never leave me alone they kept nagging me and always kept me on my toes.
As a result, I had to learn patience, I learnt it because they were patient with me. I eventually started to open up to my Support Worker and they made sure that I was doing what I was supposed to do to keep in line. They kept me out of trouble, to be honest. I started to feel like I wanted more for myself and felt motivated to get into work. I was volunteering at a local soup kitchen, this also helped with my development.
My support workers have always been accessible, I can always contact them and they listened to my needs – see what happens when the right people help! Pathwaze helped me to get my own social housing, I am excited to start moving in. I now have a more positive view of life and now have proof that things are achievable. Look at me now, I couldn’t see myself how I am now 3 years ago. I now have a fulltime job and would like to go to university to be a youth worker. Thank you Pathwaze for everything.”