Pathways to Work South

Pathways to Work in South Sheffield is part of a wider South Yorkshire initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme. This scheme is coordinated by Sheffield City Council in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), ensuring that residents across the region can access high-quality, targeted employment support. In South Sheffield, the programme focuses on neighbourhoods such as Woodseats, Batemoor, Jordanthorpe, and Lowedges, where levels of unemployment and economic inactivity remain above the city average. The aim is to provide a clear and supportive pathway into work for people who face multiple barriers, ranging from low skills and lack of experience to health challenges and caring responsibilities.

Equal Communities, working closely with Sheffield City Council and SYMCA, brings this vision to life at a local level. By delivering the Pathways to Work programme through trusted community venues, we ensure that help is accessible, practical, and tailored to residents’ needs. Our approach is rooted in partnership: referrals come not only from the Council and Jobcentre Plus, but also from grassroots organisations, faith groups, and schools. This collaborative way of working means residents receive joined-up support, whether that’s help with housing, health and wellbeing, or training opportunities. Equal Communities’ role is to translate regional strategies into meaningful, on-the-ground support that makes a difference in everyday lives.The Pathways to Work scheme across South Yorkshire is about more than simply helping people into jobs — it’s about building long-term resilience for individuals, families, and communities.

In South Sheffield, Equal Communities combines one-to-one keyworker support with strong employer engagement, connecting local businesses with local talent. We ensure that opportunities are not only accessible but sustainable, helping people move into work and stay in work. With the backing of Sheffield City Council and SYMCA, Equal Communities helps residents navigate barriers, build skills, and take positive steps into the labour market, ensuring that the benefits of growth and opportunity are shared across the whole region.