Social Justice case studies
These case studies are real examples of Social Justice in practice.
If you have an example you'd like to share, please email us –
Shaun – Without the centre I wouldn’t be alive today
A victim of abuse since an early age, Shaun plucked up the courage to get help from St Wilfrid’s Centre. Now Shaun’s confidence is starting to grow.
Kevin – At St Wilfrid’s we see the person
St Wilfrid’s helps to give vulnerable people in Sheffield a sense of belonging. The Centre brings together the homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded; and helps them move closer to a bright future.
Darren – With support you can change your life
Darren’s dad was an alcoholic; growing up Darren suffered with mental health issues. Following his father’s death, he turned to alcohol and began to self-harm. Darren’s social worker recommended contacting St Wilfrid’s for help.
Anne – They valued me before they even knew me
As a child Anne was left to look after her siblings and was bullied during her marriage. After being raped she began to self-harm and isolate herself. St Wilfrid’s helped Anne to build up her self-confidence and self-worth again.
Luke – Without the Fairbridge programme I’d be in jail or dead
Two days after his mother’s funeral, Luke was excluded from school and he got involved in a local gang. With support from the Fairbridge programme he started a bricklaying course, has spoken at corporate events and is a youth worker.
Beverley and Steve – Now our children will be better adults
Beverley and Steve had four children whose behaviour was out of control. They found out about the Family Links Nurturing Programme which provided simple, effective tools to help adults and children understand and manage feelings and behaviour.
John – I’ve got a chance to be something better
John left home at 16 and followed a life of crime for 14 years. Following a work placement and support from Ex‑Cell, he is now the Director of Recycle-IT, a successful cooperative, and is happily married with five children.
Sarah – I've got everything I've ever wanted
Sarah was in and out of care and ended up in prison where she met Dennis from the Timpson Foundation. They offered her a job, helped with a deposit for a place to live and helped rebuild relations with her foster family.
Multisystemic Therapy case study
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) works to understand the multiple causes of a young person's problem behaviours. The Brandon Centre uses MST to reduce re-offending and antisocial behaviour, to support emotional well-being and to prevent young people being placed in care.
Lee – I’m staying out of trouble and I’m in the best position I’ve ever been in
Lee was a concern to many agencies across Cambridgeshire, but none of the multiple interventions he had been receiving were having an impact. MEAM coordinates services for people facing multiple needs and exclusions and improves outcomes.
Emilyn – If I hadn’t come to Centrepoint, I probably wouldn’t even be alive today
Emilyn was homeless at 17, suffered with depression, dropped-out of college and began smoking cannabis. Centrepoint provided her with safe accommodation and support to live independently.
Bobbie – I want to share my experiences and give women the same hope that was given to me
Bobbie crashed her car and seriously injured her passenger while intoxicated. Ex-Cell visited Bobbie in prison and helped her with accommodation, finding a job and rebuilding family relationships.
Rob – The LIFE Programme saved my family
Rob and Rachel rarely managed to pay their rent, their children were not attending school and were close to being taken into care. Then they tried a new service called the LIFE Programme.
Debrina and Lavve – I'm so happy. I've got my son back
Debrina struggled to cope with her son’s disruptive behaviour until the school suggested Chance UK might help – an early intervention charity that works with children aged 5 to11 with behavioural difficulties.
Sparky – I'm proof Recycling Lives works
Released from prison, Sparky was living on the streets until he heard about Recycling Lives – a metal and waste recycling business which maintains a social welfare charity for homeless people.
Barry – I needed self-worth, not methadone
Barry was using cannabis, amphetamines and heroin by the age of 15 and spent 17 years in and out of prison. The BAC O'Connor Centre provided a package of support that helped him get clean.
Allison – I couldn't save a penny before. Now I might have a holiday next year
Allison had struggled with debt for years. Workshops run by the Five Lamps Financial Inclusion Team helped her sort out her financial problems and focus on finding a job.
