The initiative provides them with the support needed to prepare them for paid employment. 

Roche sponsored three places on Better Pathways’ LIVE Vocational Pathways Programme, enabling participants who have no recourse to public funds to access support that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

LIVE, which stands for Learning, Independence, Volunteering and Employment, combines tailored wellbeing and employability support with hands-on experience in Better Pathways’ social enterprises, Better Packing and Better Signage.

Participants build confidence, practical skills, routine, and workplace readiness at a pace that meets their individual needs.

One of the Roche-sponsored participants is Joe, 36, who joined LIVE after being unemployed since 2017.

Autism, learning difficulties, low confidence, and anxiety about independent travel had created significant barriers to work.

Through structured work experience, travel training, CV and interview support, and one-to-one wellbeing coaching, Joe became a trusted member of the Better Packing team and went on to secure a full-time role.

Joe said: “I’m so glad that I decided to continue with Better Pathways. At first, I was really unsure. But now look! I’ve had work experience, met new friends and found employment.”

Roche is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.

The company was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 100 countries around the world.

It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems.

Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focused on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.

Sue Roberts, chief executive of Better Pathways, said: “Roche Diagnostic’s sponsorship is a real example of social value in action.

“It gives three people access to a tailored pathway that develops confidence, independence and employability, while offering Roche a clear and tangible way to invest in the communities it serves.”

Gerard Harkin from Roche, said “The inspiring work Better Pathways does to change lives aligns perfectly with our social value strategy.

“We’re delighted with this partnership and look forward to it continuing.”

Better Pathways is inviting other businesses to get in touch to discuss sponsorship and wider social value partnerships that can create inclusive routes into work across Birmingham and Solihull.

Visit the website for more information or email LIVE@betterpathways.org.uk.