Community Pathways NonFPS Services

Community Pathways (CP) is a nationally recognised notforprofit that specialises in providing *nonFinancial Planning Services* (NonFPS) to vulnerable adults, families and carers across England. These services are designed to help people overcome barriers to independent living, improve wellbeing and connect with community resources.

What Are NonFPS Services?

NonFPS services are all the support options CP offers that fall outside of formal financial planning. They focus on practical, emotional and social assistance, such as:

• Advice and signposting to local health, housing and benefits services.
• Onetoone coaching that builds confidence and problemsolving skills.
• Peerled groups that encourage sharing of experiences and mutual support.
• Communitybased activities that reduce isolation and promote inclusion.
• Digital inclusion training to help people use technology safely.

Core NonFPS Service Areas

1. Advice & Signposting

Trained advisors work with service users to clarify their needs, locate the right local agencies and explain how to access them. This includes guidance on:

• Housing options and tenancy rights.
• Health and mentalhealth services.
• Benefits entitlement and application processes.
• Education, training and employment pathways.

The aim is to empower people to navigate complex systems confidently, reducing reliance on emergency interventions.

2. Personal Coaching

Coaching sessions are delivered by qualified coaches using a solutionfocused approach. Key features include:

• Goal setting establishing realistic, measurable outcomes.
• Action planning breaking down tasks into manageable steps.
• Motivation building celebrating progress and reinforcing resilience.
• Regular followup ensuring accountability and adjusting plans as needed.

Coaching is tailored to each individual, whether the focus is on managing a chronic health condition, improving budgeting skills (without formal financial planning) or reestablishing social connections.

3. PeerLed Support Groups

These groups bring together people with shared experiences for example, carers of adults with dementia, young parents, or individuals leaving prison. Facilitators encourage participants to:

• Share strategies that have worked for them.
• Discuss challenges in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
• Develop collective solutions and advocacy ideas.

Research shows that peer support reduces feelings of isolation and improves mental wellbeing.

4. Community Activities & Inclusion Projects

Community Pathways arranges regular events such as:

• Walking clubs and outdoor excursions.
• Creative workshops (art, music, writing).
• Volunteer placements with local charities.
• Digital cafs where participants learn to use smartphones, internet banking safely, or videocall family members.

These activities help participants build new friendships, develop skills and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

How Services Are Delivered

CP uses a blended model of facetoface, telephone and online contact to reach people wherever they are. Typical pathways include:

1. Initial contact: A call or referral triggers a brief needs assessment.
2. Personalised plan: Together with the client, CP creates a service plan that outlines the preferred mix of advice, coaching or group work.
3. Implementation: Sessions are scheduled, and referrals to external agencies are made as required.
4. Review & outcome measurement: Every 36 months the plan is reviewed, outcomes are recorded and adjustments are made.

Outcomes & Impact

Since its inception, Community Pathways has reported measurable improvements across several domains:

• Reduced isolation: 78% of participants report feeling less lonely after six months.
• Improved housing stability: 62% avoid eviction or secure new tenancy with CP assistance.
• Better health management: 54% attend scheduled health appointments more regularly.
• Increased digital confidence: 70% of participants can safely navigate online services.

Who Can Access These Services?

NonFPS services are open to any adult (18+) who is experiencing:

• Social isolation or loneliness.
• Difficulty accessing health, housing or benefits.
• Low confidence in dealing with everyday challenges.
• Need for peer support or community engagement.

People are typically referred by GPs, social workers, charities, or can selfrefer via the CP website or local contact centre.

How to Get Involved

Community Pathways welcomes volunteers, partner organisations and funders.

• Volunteer: Become a group facilitator, digital mentor or activity leader.
• Partner: Local authorities, health trusts and charities can refer users or codesign programmes.
• Fund: Support specific projects such as digital inclusion or peerled mentalhealth groups.

For more information, visit communitypathways.org.uk or call the regional helpline at 01234 567 890.