EFL Week Of Action 2025: Tackling Unemployment Through Powerful Partnerships

 

Whether working alongside Hull Jobcentre, supporting care leavers, or helping individuals feel more connected within their communities, Tigers Trust demonstrates how sport, collaboration, and tailored support can empower people and transform lives. The Tigers Pathways programme is a shining example of how sport, community, and collaboration can transform lives. 

 

Check out our range of fantastic initiatives below: 

 

 

Tigers Pathways has built a strong and collaborative relationship with DWP Hull Jobcentre, working closely with both the 18–25 and 25+ teams to support adults into employment. Earlier this year, we were honoured to share our impactful partnership work with Peter Schofield, Head of the Department for Work and Pensions, and more recently with Dame Diana Johnson, showcasing the strength of our referral pathways and the positive outcomes for local jobseekers. 

 

Thanks to our reputation for delivering meaningful programmes and success stories, we were approached by the Regional 50 Plus Champion to co-design a bespoke employability initiative for older adults. This led to the launch of a Walking Football programme tailored specifically for jobseekers aged 50 and above - combining physical activity, peer support, and employability skills in a safe and inclusive environment. 

 

 

An inspiring new partnership between Tigers Trust and Hull Jobcentre is helping over 50’s back into work one kick at a time. 

 

Older jobseekers often face unique challenges from low confidence to outdates skills, despite years of valuable experience. 

 

Anne Brewster the North East Yorkshire and Humber 50Plus Champion said “One part of my role is to support work coaches and break down barriers faced by older adult jobseekers. Tigers Trust already run a walking football for mixed ages but I wanted something bespoke for our Jobcentre Mid Life MOT cohort. The aim was to give people facing similar challenges to employment a safe space full of peer camaraderie as most of the group have been unemployed for several years. 

 

Amy Blinkhorn Adult Engagement Manager for Tigers Trust said: “Working alongside Anne, and Hull DWP to set up our first ever Walking Football-specific employability programme has been absolutely fantastic. This is a brilliant example of meaningful cross-partnership working to benefit our local communities. 

 

The Tigers Pathways programme places a strong focus on mental health, mindset, goal setting, and confidence building. By taking a holistic approach, we see participants build self-esteem and prioritise wellbeing – key to building the resilience needed for successfully finding employment. 

 

This group has embraced the opportunity to have a safe, supportive space where they can open up about their emotions and share life experiences. Paul, the lead mentor, has built a strong connection with the group and played a key role in creating that environment. The walking football element has fostered a strong sense of teamwork, so we’re seeing improvements in football, fitness and self-confidence. 

 

In addition to the core Tigers Pathways sessions, we’ve had access to a qualified mental health practitioner from CHCP who delivered a bespoke workshop and offered one-to-one support for those who needed it. This extra layer of care has made a real difference. 

 

We’re excited to continue this partnership and can’t wait to see what we can develop next and who else we can support in the future.” 

 

David, who was one of the participants said: “The course is awesome; I have enjoyed it so far and am looking forward to the future” 

 

Another candidate, Paul commented:” There should be more projects like this. I would recommend the course, it has worked for me, thank you for putting the course on. The course is, and has been a joy, and a revelation. I didn’t think I needed this, I am happy to say I was wrong. Going forward I would personally say you should send everyone interested and many that aren’t” 

 

Five weeks in and one person has already found work and another 5 have signed up for stewarding roles. 

 

If you are looking for work speak to your work coach about what opportunities are available through the jobcentre in Hull. You can access a Mid Life MOT by clicking here. 

 

We’re delighted to have partnered with Emmaus Hull and East Riding to welcome their residents onto our Tigers Pathways programme. 

 

Emmaus Hull & East Riding is a charity that supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing not just a safe home but also tailored support, meaningful work experience, and opportunities to regain confidence and independence. Their mission aligns perfectly with our values of community, growth, and inclusion, making this partnership especially meaningful. 

 

Just two weeks into the Tigers Pathways programme, the group has already made incredible progress. They’ve been opening up about mindset and mental health, exploring both positive and negative thinking patterns, and setting meaningful life goals with clear, achievable steps. These conversations have been a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within this group. 

 

Outside of the classroom, we’ve shared some amazing experiences - including an exclusive MKM Stadium tour and complimentary tickets to watch Hull City take on Blackburn earlier this season. For several participants, it was their very first live football match, creating a truly unforgettable day filled with excitement and camaraderie. 

 

We’ve also introduced the group to golf as a way to relax, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. Golf has proven to be a fantastic tool for helping participants connect with their bodies and surroundings, build confidence, and release energy. It’s been wonderful to see some newfound enthusiasm for the sport, with a few members now eager to keep playing! 

 

As we look ahead, the coming weeks will focus on turning these early ideas into action, strengthening professional development skills, and setting a clear path toward a brighter, more independent future. We’re incredibly proud of the group’s efforts so far and excited to see what they’ll achieve next 

 

 

We were excited to relaunch our Care to Dream sessions, thanks to newly secured funding that allowed us to run weekly activities designed to support care-experienced young adults. In collaboration with East Riding Council, Hull City Council, Room 42, and the Care Leaver Champions, we planned a vibrant launch event on Tuesday 21st October. 

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Participants enjoyed a day of fun games, a football match, pizza, and tickets to watch Hull City vs Leicester - a celebration of community and connection. Following the launch, weekly sessions continued, offering a safe and welcoming space for young people to relax, build relationships, and access 1-to-1 support from our experienced staff around employment, training, and personal development. 

 

Council staff were also present at our Arena Café, using that time to strengthen connections and ensure care leavers received the holistic support they needed from all partners involved. 

 

A special highlight of this relaunch was George, one of our casual staff members who began his journey through Care to Dream, progressed through Tigers Pathways, and proudly worked as a casual sports coach, a true testament to the power of partnership and progression. 

 

 

Tigers Trust recently delivered a bespoke Tigers Pathways programme in collaboration with Welcome House, designed to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and help them feel more connected within the local community. This initiative provided participants with access to meaningful opportunities and a strong sense of belonging. 

 

As part of the programme, all participants received Hull City football kits and match tickets, fostering pride and inclusion. The sessions offered both 1-to-1 and group support, focusing on employment, training, and education, while using sport as a powerful tool to unite and empower. 

 

The group quickly bonded through shared goals and experiences, with growing confidence and positive engagement evident throughout. This partnership reflects Tigers Trust’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and wellbeing - using tailored support and sport to break down barriers and build stronger, more integrated communities. 

 

A fantastic range of initiatives aiming to make a difference in our community!