Research is an important stage in project formulation. We work with clients who want to audit what is taking place in their area, learn from other initiatives and to understand more about the complex issues they are trying to address. We specialise in participatory research methods.

Health Inequalities Directory

Pathways researched, wrote and built this on-line Directory, which features over 100 projects addressing health inequalities across Yorkshire and The Humber. The Directory is a now key resource for workers responding to the Governmentss health inequalities 'Programme for Action.'
Client: The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Directorate of Health

Visit the site on: www.healthinequalitiesdirectory.co.uk

“Pathways have a range of experience, ideas and contacts which they share unselfishly. We got a thorough, professional outcome and one which was much richer and better than we had imagined.”

Carol Massey, Regional Directorate of Public Health

Social Exclusion in Rural Communities

The issues around urban deprivation are well documented, however social exclusion and deprivation in rural communities is a more hidden problem. In this research Pathways worked with rural workers to evidence social exclusion and explore what could be done to address it. Over 50 workers in Lancashire were interviewed and their experiences analysed to create a framework that targeted funding and support to the County's most vulnerable communities.
Clients: Community Futures and the Countryside Agency

Community Facilities Audit

This audit examined the extent to which community facilities in a New Deal area in Salford met the needs of local people. After a strategic mapping of all available community facilities, five buildings were selected for in-depth investigation. For each Centre this included: a technical survey and maintenance plan; meetings with the Management Committees to create a development plan; and consultation with users and non-users to understand how the centres were used and perceived. Recommendations advocated substantial investment and a focus on joint publicity and service planning.
Client: New Deal for Communities, Lower Kersal and Charlestown