Service users from Pathways have worked alongside a number of organisations to create local walks which include ground works and the making and installing of interpretation boards.
Working with the Museum and Library Services in Huddersfield Pathways Day Services, a Trust partner, provided the opportunity for service users to populate interpretation boards with themes and issues that are pertinent to their individual experiences and interests. The boards include some social history and links to mental health and wellbeing.
A series of workshops were held in partnership with Pathways staff and a researcher/worker from the museum/library service using local facilities, such as Huddersfield Library as well as the Tolson Museum. The group, with support, set their own themes and parameters as to the exact nature, topic and key messages of the project.
The group held an exhibition of the work at the Tolson Museum, which was then displayed on the walk itself and recreated on the interpretation boards. Service users from Pathways involved in the Pathways to Health Project have built the frames and installed the interpretation boards.
The project has enabled Pathways to build stronger links with the Museum and Library Services in Kirklees and to facilitate community participation for service users building progression routes into other organisations. Service users have built up confidence and the ability to research, study and work as part of a team. It has also helped with developing skills related to employment rehabilitation and education as well as improving access to the Library and Museum Services in general.
This project is part of the wider Almondbury Pathways to Health project.