SOAR Community
SOAR’s mission
SOAR is a community regeneration charity that provides services to improve a person’s health, wellbeing and employability.
It enables and supports local people through partnership working, to improve the quality of life for North Sheffield residents.
Its objective is to use community development approaches to improve the health and economic wellbeing of people in North Sheffield. Namely:
- Improve the health and economic wellbeing of individuals & families in North Sheffield.
- Use community development approaches to support and expand local community and grassroots organisations.
- Develop, manage and support social/community assets and centres.
- Be a highly regarded, sustainable, innovative organisation, committed to developing employees, client-centered services, and acting as an advocate for North Sheffield.
How will the donation be used?
This project will fund and embed a dedicated Welfare Coach within the existing employment support team in Firth Park, Sheffield.
Working alongside Employment Coaches, the Welfare Coach will provide specialist advice on debt management, budgeting, income maximisation and benefits entitlement.
By integrating welfare and employment support, the project will offer a holistic, person-centred service that tackles the financial barriers which often prevent people from moving into and sustaining work.
What impact is the donation expected to have?
The project will focus on the Firth Park neighbourhood, located in the north of Sheffield, which is an ethnically diverse area, facing significant socio-economic challenges.
The primary beneficiaries (up to 50) will be unemployed and economically inactive adults engaged with employment support services, particularly those facing multiple barriers such as long-term health conditions, lone parenthood, or language barriers.
By reducing financial stress and stabilising household income, clients will be better able to focus on skills development, job search and sustained employment. The project will also benefit families and the wider community by reducing poverty-related hardship, improving wellbeing, and strengthening pathways into work.
“It’s wonderful to learn that we have been successful in our bid for this funding. It means a lot to us, as we can offer a more holistic approach to our employment support with integrated welfare coaching, a real joining up of our services in a more meaningful way.”
MEGAN OHRI SOAR Community Partnership Manager (CEO)
“I became aware of SOAR Community when my wife joined them as a Dementia Specialist. It quickly became apparent that they offered a much wider range of support to the people of North Sheffield, including support to improve overall health and wellbeing, such as social prescribing, employment coaching and development support. The team are so dedicated and their core values match those of Irwin Mitchell. They really deserve the successful nomination and the amazing donation by IMCF will enable SOAR to continue providing their vital services.”
GARY CROSSLAND
Irwin Mitchell