How Signpost is distinct from Statutory Services: A Focus on Empowerment
Signpost emphasises empowerment as a mechanism for change, delivered through a client-centred approach. In practice, this means providing our beneficiaries with physical and interpersonal resources.
Physical resources include a warm, modern facility equipped with up-to-date IT systems and all the tools needed to navigate today’s world.
Interpersonal resources include a welcoming environment, experienced advisors, and a listening ear. Our approach is nonjudgmental, valuing individuals for who they are rather than their financial status or their ability to help us meet targets.
Our advisers, many of whom have personal experience with unemployment, offer practical assistance to help address the diverse barriers people face in their lives.
Often, a beneficiary’s first meeting at Signpost involves developing a professional CV. In some cases, this is all they need. However, spending an hour exploring someone’s history can uncover a range of barriers while avoiding the stigma often attached to such challenges. Signpost is uniquely positioned to address these issues directly or refer individuals to appropriate support services. Regardless of the situation, every person leaves Signpost with a positive outcome.
Beneficiaries highly value this client-focused, empowerment-driven way of working. Its outcomes are not only immediate but also more sustainable compared to traditional approaches.
Signpost has 3 Centres in Essex:
Our Beneficiaries, Volunteers and Staff making a difference
Listening
Signpost recognises the importance of listening to people’s needs to shape our services. We are committed to providing a compassionate ear to help explore issues and find solutions that enable our beneficiaries to progress. By understanding and addressing individual needs, we can offer tailored services that support them in achieving their goals. We encourage feedback so that we can review our services thus helping us evolve and improve going forward.
Employment support
Signpost is dedicated to assisting individuals in their job search. Our comprehensive services simplify and streamline the process. We help beneficiaries identify suitable job opportunities by tailoring professional CVs to their desired employment type, crafting high-quality job applications, and preparing them for crucial interviews. With Signpost’s support, individuals are equipped to impress potential employers and secure their desired positions.
Access to IT
Living on a low income can severely limit access to quality IT resources. Signpost addresses this by equipping its centres with high-quality IT equipment accessible to all visitors. This not only helps individuals stay current with the latest technology but also enables them to seize various online opportunities. Whether it’s applying for jobs or managing benefits, access to good computers can significantly impact those living on a low income. Signpost also offers the necessary support to help individuals fully utilise computers and the internet.
Training
Signpost offers a wide range of courses designed to help beneficiaries overcome various barriers. Our courses cover areas such as customer service, business administration, IT, practical skills, interview techniques, and confidence building. Each course is fully customisable and can be accredited or non-accredited. With Signpost’s support, beneficiaries can acquire the skills they need to succeed.
Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG)
Signpost can offer a high-quality Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) service. Ours is a client-centred service, meaning that our IAG is focused on your needs and barriers, aiming to get you into a job you want, delivered by our qualified and experienced staff.
The service is free to all. When demand increases, we will prioritise in favour of those seeking employment. Addressing barriers and identifying opportunities will have a range of positive effects such as enhanced employability and improvements in confidence and self-esteem.
We are keen to develop our service continuously and will collect post-session feedback. We will also phone you three months after your first visit to see how you are doing and remind you of our services. Feedback (or complaints) can also be sent via email: feedback@sign-post.info.
We work with a range of partners, if a barrier is outside our area of expertise, we can usually refer you to organisations that offer more specialist support. Everyone gets a positive outcome at Signpost.