Adult Learning, Employability and Community Development

Strength • Tenacity • Resilience • Independence • Vision • Empowerment

STRIVE to Thrive is Inspiring Futures CIC’s programme for adults aged 25 and over who may need additional support to overcome barriers, rebuild their confidence and move towards a more positive and independent future.

The programme provides a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental environment where people are recognised for their strengths and potential—not defined by their circumstances, past experiences or the challenges they have faced. Through trusted relationships, practical support and meaningful opportunities, we help adults identify their goals, develop new skills and take achievable steps towards lasting change.

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What does STRIVE mean?

Our STRIVE principles guide every part of the programme:

• Strength – recognising existing abilities, qualities and lived experience.

• Tenacity – developing the determination to keep moving forward, even when progress feels difficult.

• Resilience – building the confidence and coping skills needed to respond positively to challenges and setbacks.

• Independence – supporting people to make informed choices, develop practical skills and take greater control of their lives.

• Vision – helping individuals identify their goals and see new possibilities for their future.

• Empowerment – ensuring people feel heard, valued and able to create meaningful change in their own lives.

These principles are underpinned by the wider Inspiring Futures THRIVE Framework: Trust, Hope, Resilience, Independence, Value and Empowerment.

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Who does STRIVE to Thrive support?

STRIVE to Thrive supports adults aged 25 and over from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. This may include people who are:

• Unemployed or economically inactive.

• Looking to return to education, training or employment.

• Experiencing low confidence, isolation or poor emotional wellbeing.

• Managing significant changes or challenges in their lives.

• Living with additional learning, health or support needs.

• Recovering from difficult or traumatic experiences.

• Seeking a new direction following involvement with the criminal justice system.

• Caring for others or returning to work after a long period away.

• Looking to become more active and connected within their community.

• In need of practical support to identify and achieve their next steps.

Every person’s journey is different. We therefore take time to understand the individual, their circumstances, their strengths and what they would like to achieve.

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How we support people

STRIVE to Thrive uses a flexible, person-centred approach rather than expecting everyone to follow the same pathway. Support can be adapted around an individual’s starting point, needs and aspirations.

Depending on the programme or opportunity available, support may include:

• One-to-one mentoring and goal setting.

• Confidence, motivation and personal-development work.

• Employability and transferable-skills development.

• Support to explore education, qualifications and training.

• CV preparation, job-search skills and interview support.

• Practical preparation for employment or volunteering.

• Wellbeing, physical activity and healthy-lifestyle opportunities.

• Communication, teamwork and relationship-building skills.

• Support with emotional regulation, resilience and problem-solving.

• Community activities and opportunities to reduce isolation.

• Signposting and connections to specialist services where appropriate.

• Ongoing encouragement as individuals progress towards their goals.

Our approach is relationship-led and built around consistency, trust and respect. We work alongside people, helping them make informed choices and take ownership of their progress rather than making decisions for them.

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What we aim to achieve

The aim of STRIVE to Thrive is not simply to move people towards employment. It is to help individuals build the confidence, stability, skills and sense of purpose needed to create sustainable change.

Through the programme, we aim to help adults:

• Recognise their strengths, abilities and personal value.

• Improve their confidence, motivation and emotional wellbeing.

• Develop resilience and healthier ways of managing challenges.

• Become more independent and confident in making decisions.

• Build practical, social and employability skills.

• Identify realistic goals and create a clear progression plan.

• Re-engage with learning, training, volunteering or employment.

• Develop positive relationships and wider support networks.

• Become more involved in their local community.

• Maintain progress and move towards a fulfilling, sustainable future.

Success will look different for every individual. For one person, it may mean attending a group activity for the first time. For another, it may be completing training, beginning voluntary work, gaining employment or feeling confident enough to take control of their next steps. Every achievement matters.

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Why STRIVE to Thrive is important

Many adults face overlapping barriers that cannot be addressed through employment support alone. Low confidence, poor wellbeing, caring responsibilities, isolation, previous trauma, limited qualifications or negative past experiences can all affect a person’s ability to move forward.

Without the right support, people can become disconnected from education, employment, services and their wider community. This can deepen isolation and make the next step feel increasingly difficult.

STRIVE to Thrive responds by looking at the whole person. We provide the time, trusted relationships and practical opportunities people need to recognise their potential and begin moving forward at a pace that is right for them.

By offering early support and meaningful routes into learning, volunteering, employment and community participation, the programme aims to prevent people from becoming further isolated or disadvantaged. It also helps individuals build the foundations needed to sustain their progress over the longer term.

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Our approach

At Inspiring Futures CIC, we believe that everyone has value, potential and something meaningful to contribute. People may need different levels of support and may progress at different speeds, but nobody should be written off because of their age, background or past experiences.

Our team provides compassionate support alongside clear expectations, achievable goals and practical opportunities. We celebrate progress while continuing to encourage each individual to build independence and confidence.

We also recognise that no single organisation can meet every need. Where appropriate, we work collaboratively with community organisations, education and training providers, employers and specialist services to help people access the right support and opportunities.

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The impact of STRIVE to Thrive

Through STRIVE to Thrive, individuals can begin to feel more confident, connected and hopeful about their future. As trust develops, people are supported to challenge limiting beliefs, recognise their capabilities and take positive steps that may previously have felt out of reach.

The impact can extend beyond the individual. Increased confidence, improved wellbeing and greater independence can strengthen families, reduce isolation and support healthier relationships. When adults are given opportunities to learn, contribute and progress, they can become more active participants in their communities and positive role models for those around them.

STRIVE to Thrive is about creating sustainable change—not short-term fixes. It gives people the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to build a future shaped by strength, purpose and possibility.

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Work with us

We welcome conversations with individuals, community organisations, referral partners, education and training providers, employers and funders who share our commitment to helping adults overcome barriers and thrive.

Whether you are looking for support, would like to refer someone, or are interested in partnering with Inspiring Futures CIC, please contact us to discuss how STRIVE to Thrive could help.