Pathway Workshop has reorganised its mill workshop to meet better the quality and volume needs of its customers.

Capital funding was raised to install an improved ventilation/filtration system capable of handling the greater volume of work now in progress and improve the working environment for the disadvantaged and/or disabled staff employed at Pathway Workshop.

A new Planer and Saws will enable a more accurate and efficient throughput of work and allow the dedicated training programme to train staff on more modern equipment which will prepare them better for work in the open market.

Chris Kyle, Trustee of Pathway Workshop, has been awarded an Oxfordshire Certificate of Honour for her voluntary services to the disadvantaged. Having spent a number of years as a parent supporter and fundraiser within the charity sector and running a charity for those with speech and language problems, she became Chair of Governors of a Special Needs “Special School”, being particularly active in the nineties when they were threatened with closure. She became a Trustee of Pathway Workshop in 2003 and, at the same time as rescuing a Day Care Centre from closure and helping with setting it up as a private social enterprise, was a guiding light during a period of severe financial problems for  Pathway Workshop eventually being instrumental in the development of the charity into a unique supportive environment for those with a wide range of special needs and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Well-done Chris. All the supporters, parents/carers and staff of Pathway Workshop thank you for your support and congratulate you on your achievement. 

Pathway Workshop provides a unique and supportive environment for disadvantaged people to build their self-esteem and confidence whilst being trained in both life and work skills to guide them back to independence and, hopefully, into the mainline job market.

Part of this process entailed a night out for Pathway Workshop staff to the local Bowling Alley followed by a meal at a Chinese Restaurant housed within the same complex.

This was the first time many of the staff had been either Bowling or visiting a restaurant, and the first time at a Chinese restaurant for nearly all of them.

Staff saved money over a period to pay for the evening out and, as can be seen in the photographs, a great time was had by all – and another life skill and learning experience under the belt !