Impact
Changing one person’s life can have an enormous impact
Our programmes are designed to create sustainable positive change in the lives of individuals, which is why our partners work holistically to address individual needs and barriers. We recognise that in supporting one person to thrive, many more lives are transformed as a result. We call this the Ripple Effect.
Through our programmes, participants gain skills, confidence, improved wellbeing, and are given guidance on how to make purposeful changes in their lives. We acknowledge that for many, this path is not linear, and each person’s journey looks different.
We have heard stories of participants who have become better parents, who become financially independent and are able to support their families, who no longer need to access NHS services due to feeling they are able to survive on their own, who no longer have suicidal thoughts and have created lives that are fulfilling and satisfying.
Recent Case Studies
These inspirational short stories demonstrate the high level of impact our projects have on real people’s lives in York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding.
Action Towards Inclusion - Working for Health
Working for Health are a Keyworker on the ATI Programme. They offer mental health and employment support across East Riding.
In this video we hear Glen’s story. Glen started off as a participant on the programme and has since become a keyworker supporting others to get the help they need.
This video was created in collaboration with filmmakers Inspired Youth
Action Towards Inclusion - Selby District AVS
Selby District AVS are a Keyworker on the ATI Programme, they support people across the district to transform their lives.
In this video you will hear Jimmy’s story. Jimmy began the ATI Programme in a very dark place, struggling with his anger. After meeting his keyworker Chris, his life changed.
This video was made in collaboration with Inspired Youth
Thriving at Work - Autism Plus
This case study is about some of the lovely staff at The Blue Dolphin Holiday Park.
Angela contacted Thriving at Work partner Autism Plus as she had neurodiverse team members and wanted to make sure that she was supporting them as best as she could.
We hear about some of the adjustments that the team have made to routines, tasks, and recruitment to make it more accessible for neurodiverse people.
Action Towards Inclusion - Carrie's Story
Carrie is a recent participant on Action Towards Inclusion – a dynamic programme across York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding supporting people into work, training and volunteering.
Carrie faced a number of challenges but has made fantastic progress through taking part in the programme. Action Towards Inclusion is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund and managed by Better Connect.
Kickstart - Katie's Story
This short video features Katie – a new Kickstart staff member working for Pioneer Projects in North Yorkshire.
Kickstart provides real job placements for young people aged 16–24 currently claiming Universal Credit, to gain experience, skills, and confidence.
Action Towards Inclusion - Mick's Story
Mick is a recent participant on Action Towards Inclusion – a dynamic programme across York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding supporting people into work, training and volunteering.
He has wide ranging work experience and Action Towards Inclusion has helped him increase his confidence, IT skills and move on in his life.
Connect with us on our social media for updates on our projects, opportunities, the team and our impact
Testimonials
“My life looks pretty awesome right now, obviously I wasn’t myself when I first got in touch with Leanne (Keyworker), but since then she’s helped me massively, she even took me under the wing; I now feel like I’m able to leave the nest- like I was one of her kids and now I’m able to fly again”
— Ashley, Thriving at Work Participant
“(ATI) Provided me with insight into my own needs and support for my autism-caused social and emotional issues, helped me to believe that I have value and deserve to succeed in life. Provided a space where I could safely "be autistic" and still feel supported”
— Former Participant on ATI
“Before I went on ATI, I was just a loose cannon, never got on in life, angry all the time. I was going from job to job working my way up and then the anger would take over and I’d lose the job, everywhere I went before, nothing really helped.. Now look, I've got my own business!”
— Jimmy, ATI Participant
“The transformation has been nothing short of mind-blowing, the way I interact with people, the way I can live my life differently. I became employable, I could speak with people, engage with people, and the biggest part of my journey is that I’m helping others that was in the position I was in before”
— Glen, ATI Participant and Keyworker
“"The difference I’ve seen for people has been so humbling, so overwhelming at times, but so phenomenal to see what people can
achieve with the right combination of support"”
— Keyworker on ATI
“WOW – working with Better Connect has always been an exhilarating experience. I can only describe my work with Better Connect as a “decade of opportunities” from ATI to ESF to Kickstart and TEWV. A funder who embraces our shared values enabling the people we support to benefit from so many life changing opportunities.
SDAVS continues to be committed to supporting the needs of the communities we support. Working with Better Connect is always a pleasure, combining a positive work ethic, inclusive delivery style, and open communication at all times. This has ensured that our shared aspirations can be achieved, with so many individuals assisted to succeed.
May the opportunities continue!”
— Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Officer, Selby District AVS
“Better Connect is a fantastic organisation with a diverse, accessible and person led ethos. They are incredibly supportive and provide an invaluable bridge between organisations and funders, helping to maximise the potential of vital community-based projects throughout the county. They have enabled our organisation to expand and develop, as well as supporting us personally, as practitioners, to have the confidence, resources and backing, to dream big!”
— Emily Havercroft – Director of Making Things Happen
“Orb Community Enterprise has worked closely with Better Connect (previously Your Consortium) for many years now and it has been a very successful working arrangement. The staff are very approachable and responsive. They understand what Orb does and do their very best to accommodate the way we work – some funders are quite rigid in their requirements and negotiating flexibility isn’t always easy – but Better Connect do listen and are very supportive.
Effectively they are a great team, and we enjoy working with them very much indeed!”
— Elizabeth Marshall Operations Manager – Orb Community Enterprise
“Rural Arts brings creativity to every community in North Yorkshire – and Better Connect (previously Your Consortium) are an important part of making that happen. We’ve partnered together on many projects, and Better Connect are always collaborative, supporting and trusting. They help us to deliver the best outcomes for our communities and work to be flexible about how we achieve this in a way that’s right for us, and our participants. Their team is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do. Our partnerships with Better Connect are an important strategic driver, and the organisation is invaluable as a connector, contract manager and support body for the VCSE sector across North Yorkshire. ”
— Max May – Director and CEO of Rural Arts
“I am proud and excited to be moving forward with Better Connect as they step out, in their ever-increasing support, to reach some of the most vulnerable and isolated individuals across North Yorkshire. Having worked very closely with them (under their former name of Your Consortium) since 2018, I cannot praise their work enough. Their work with both individuals and partner organisations is exceptional; their vision is far-reaching and all-encompassing; their staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and prompt in their support. As ever, this is Yorkshire at its best and I cannot think of any more appropriate way to ‘better connect’ with those who need it most. Looking forward to many more years of working together as the organisation develops.”
— CJ Allison – Yorkshire Employability Manager – Resume Foundation
Our Impact Team
Our Impact Team is made up of creative individuals who share a passion in sharing and demonstrating the impact that our programmes are making. They do this through storytelling, social media, blog posts, events and collecting/understanding data.
Get in touch with them if you would like to help us raise awareness of the impact Better Connect and our Partners are making.
