News

General, Projects, Initiatives and Services

28th of May, 2025

Signpost Awarded Grant to Bridge the Digital Divide in Basildon and Tendring, Essex

Signpost is delighted to announce it has received a much-welcome grant from The Access Foundation to support its vital digital inclusion initiative across Jaywick and Basildon. This funding marks a significant step forward in the charity’s mission to close the digital divide and empower vulnerable communities with access to essential technology, training, and support.

Operating in some of the most deprived areas in England, including Jaywick—ranked among the country’s most disadvantaged communities—Signpost (Colchester) is a community-driven charity focused on employability and digital literacy. The charity provides free tech support, internet connectivity, and access to digital devices to those most at risk of exclusion, including the unemployed, elderly, socially isolated, and low-income families.

Thanks to this generous grant, Signpost will dedicate specialist Tech Advisors to deliver 16 hours of support weekly across its Jaywick and Basildon centres. These Advisors will offer one-to-one technical help, enrol individuals in online courses like Learn My Way, and provide access to internet-connected PCs and data SIMs through partnerships such as the National Databank from the Good Things Foundation.

The project is expected to benefit in the region of 450 adults in 2025/26, with anticipated outcomes including:

  • 60 individuals receiving personalised tech support

  • 70 enrolments in digital learning modules

  • 320 using free internet and computer access

Additional social outcomes include helping participants move into employment, education, or volunteering, and reconnecting isolated individuals with their communities and families through digital tools.

This one-year project, set to begin in June 2025, aligns perfectly with The Access Foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide by supporting inclusive access to digital resources for those who need them most.

23rd of May, 2025

Signpost Celebrates IAG Recognition for Empowering Local Communities

Signpost is very pleased to share their good news and announce that once again, they have had a successful audit thus continuing to maintain their accreditation of the prestigious matrix Standard, confirming the charity’s commitment to delivering high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG) services. Following a rigorous assessment, the organisation was praised for its client-centred approach, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact on the lives of people in some of Essex’s most deprived communities. From helping individuals craft compelling CVs and master interview techniques to offering English language support and access to vital social services, Signpost’s holistic model ensures every beneficiary receives personalised support on their journey towards employment and self-sufficiency.

The report highlights the impressive social return on investment achieved by Signpost, noting that for every £1 spent, the charity generates £11.13 in social value. One standout achievement was its work in the social care sector, where Signpost’s tailored support helped 91 individuals secure employment in just 12 months. With a new community hub set to open in Basildon and plans to enhance digital support tools, Signpost continues to innovate and expand its impact. As one beneficiary put it, “Signpost helped me explore new horizons and provided unwavering support.” This latest accreditation not only affirms Signpost’s effectiveness but also cements its role as a beacon of hope and opportunity across Essex. Full report here: Signpost matrix Assessment Report 2025

11th of April, 2025

Signpost Wraps Up Successful “Multiply” Initiative with Over 1,100 Referrals

As Multiply draws to a close, Signpost is proud to share the strong outcomes achieved during its involvement in the Government-Funded numeracy initiative, which concluded on 31st March 2025.

Throughout the programme, Signpost referred a total of 1,130 participants to Multiply course delivery partners across Essex, helping adults build essential numeracy skills through a variety of practical and engaging workshops.

Breakdown of referrals includes:

  • Signpost Basildon led the way with 662 referrals to the Plan, Shop & Save workshop, empowering participants with budgeting and money management tools.

  • Signpost Greenstead referred 166 individuals to the Financial Wellbeing workshop, supporting financial literacy and confidence.

  • Signpost Tendring contributed with 56 referrals to the same Financial Wellbeing session.

  • An additional 246 individuals were referred to other Multiply workshops tailored to diverse needs and learning goals.

This effort underscores Signpost’s commitment to community-focused education and economic empowerment. For a deeper look into the impact of our Multiply involvement, including outcomes and feedback, visit Project Performance.

25th of March, 2025

Grant Revolutionises Learning at Signpost Tendring NEET Workshops with State-of-the-Art Laptops

Signpost Tendring is celebrating a transformative milestone thanks to a generous grant from the Morrisons Foundation. The funding enables the organisation to replace outdated and cumbersome desktop computers — ageing giants of over a decade — with sleek, future-proof laptops that will revolutionise the learning environment at their Unit 6 Training Room.

This upgrade introduces cutting-edge technology and unlocks a world of possibilities for the training space. The new laptops’ portable design allows for a dynamic and flexible room layout, accommodating various workshop formats and fostering a more engaging learning experience. Gone are the days of battling for space among bulky desktops — this modernisation marks a new era of efficient, innovative, and adaptable training opportunities for young learners.

By embracing technology tailored for the future, Signpost Tendring is reaffirming its commitment to empowering individuals and creating a brighter path forward for all participants. This is more than just an upgrade; it’s a leap toward a more impactful and inclusive educational experience.

24th of March, 2025

Every £1 Signpost spent yielded a return of £11.13p in measurable social and community value in the Financial Year!

In a year of remarkable strides, Signpost has reported a total expenditure of £261,255.00. However, the real story lies in its extraordinary return on investment for the community, achieving significant milestones through both Direct and Indirect Social Return on Investment (SROI).

Direct SROI Results:

  • 205 individuals transitioned into employment.

  • 105 participants progressed into non-academic education & training.

  • 15 individuals engaged in volunteering opportunities.

These tangible achievements generated a total value of £2,282,500.00. This means every £1 spent by Signpost yielded an impressive return of £8.74p in value directly impacting lives.

Indirect SROI Milestones:

  • 350 instances of fostering community cohesion.

  • 100 reductions in crime across communities.

  • 250 cases of improved public health outcomes.

This translated to an additional value of £625,000.00. Every £1 spent by Signpost yielded an additional £2.4p in indirect societal benefits.

The Grand Total:

When combining both Direct and Indirect outcomes, the results are even more impressive:

  • A total SROI value of £2,907,500.00.

  • Therefore, every £1 spent yielded a return of £11.13p in measurable social and community value.

This is more than just financials — it’s transformative change quantified. Signpost continues to influence community impact and sustainability.

To Summarise

With this representation, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the tangible difference each pound spent has made in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and improving societal outcomes. Our team at Signpost is driving meaningful transformation.

30th of January, 2025

Multiply Celebration Event

Our CEO, Paul Feasey, is sitting on the panel (picture below, 2nd from right) at the Multiply Celebration Event in Chelmsford with other organisations and Charities, discussing and reflecting on what has been an incredibly successful initiative! His talks were very well received.

Signpost is proud to have been chosen to be an outreach location for delivering the Multiply Financial Wellbeing Workshop in Signpost Greenstead, Tendring, and the Plan, Shop and Save Workshop in Basildon. We’ve been actively encouraging people to sign up for these valuable workshops.

2nd of January, 2025

Signpost Greenstead Secures Major Funding for Job Skills Workshops

In a significant boost to the local community, Signpost Greenstead has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All England. This funding will enable the delivery of the “Job Success: Fortnightly Job Skills Workshops” project, aimed at enhancing employability skills among participants.

Over the next two years, Signpost Greenstead will run 48 fortnightly workshops designed to equip participants with essential job skills, including CV writing, job applications, interview techniques, and IT proficiency. The ambitious project aims to transition at least 100 beneficiaries into employment by its conclusion. These workshops are free to attend.

Our Core Services will continue to provide support to project beneficiaries, ensuring ongoing assistance for those who have not yet secured employment, as well as those who have, beyond the project’s duration.

This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth within the community. For more information, please contact Signpost Greenstead or fill out an online enquiry form.