Impact Report
My Sisters Keeper
At Journey Before Success (JBS), transparency and accountability are at the core of our commitment to our fundraising partner's reporting. They are also at the centre of the sustainability of our work requirements, driving meaningful change.
PROJECT GOAL:
To support women, particularly from the Global majority, in recovering from the impacts of Covid-19 and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The project focuses on reducing isolation, anxiety, lone parenting challenges, relationship stress, unemployment fear, and financial/debt management while promoting improved mental and physical health and community inclusion.
15-18 Families
Weekly advice alongside food collection: Participants 15-18 families impacting 72 individuals
Doctors Surgery: 18 per workshop x3 Participants impacting 54 individuals
Health and Well-being workshops
Domestic Violence unit : 9 Participants impacting 36 individuals
Well Being Day
7 Young women 13-17 years old: 84 young people over the five weeks.
Weekly advice + food collection
How did we do it?
The Numbers
54
Doctors Surgery - 18 per workshop x3 Participants impacting 54 individuals
36
Domestic Violence unit - 9 Participants impacting 36 individuals
84
Concorde young women ages 13-17yrs old
7 participants impacting 84 young people over the 5 weeks.
21
Vision Board Work shop Participants 7 impacting 21
174
Participants
435
Impacted
18 per workshop x3 Participants impacting
54 Individuals
9 Participants impacting
36 Individuals
7 participants impacting and engaging
84 Young People over 5 weeks
7 Participants impacting:
21 Individuals
Key Outcomes Achieved
Mental Health Awareness and Coping Mechanisms
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The workshops provided women with tools to better manage anxiety, isolation, and the stress brought about by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
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Impact: Participants reported a 60% improvement in mental health indicators based on self-reported stress levels. This was reinforced through reflection activities, self-care routines, and peer support.
Physical Well-being
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The in-person format made it easier to engage in interactive physical health activities such as light exercises, demonstrations, and practical self-care routines.
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Impact: 54% of participants noted improved physical health, feeling more energetic and motivated to engage in regular physical activity.
Financial Literacy & Employment
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Workshops focusing on financial management and employment support provided women with tangible skills such as budgeting, debt management, and job search techniques.
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Impact: 40% of participants reported an improved financial situation, either by securing employment or managing debt more effectively by the project’s conclusion.
Parenting and Relationship Support – offered as 1-2-1
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In-person sessions allowed for more intimate discussions about the challenges of lone parenting and relationship stresses. Women were able to share personal experiences and solutions in a supportive environment.
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Impact: 50% of participants indicated they had developed better parenting skills or improved their family relationships by adopting new coping strategies learned during the workshops.
Community Bonding & Social Connection
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The in-person event, such as Wellbeing Day, strengthened the community bond between participants. Women were able to create relationships, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a strong support network.
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Impact: Many women started helping one another by providing emotional support, and those unable to attend sessions received assistance in accessing resources, including food and self-care kits.
Holistic Wellness
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Women developed an understanding of the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional health, which contributed to creating vision boards for their holistic wellness goals. This personalized approach was particularly effective in guiding participants toward sustainable self-care practices.
The in-person events, such as Wellbeing Day, strengthened the community bond between participants. Women were able to create relationships, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a strong support network.
WOMEN HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING EACH OTHER AND THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO COME OUT TO COLLECT FOOD, SELF CARE RESOURCES AND/OR ATTEND ANY OF THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING WORKSHOPS.
Legacy + Impact of MSK
Many women started helping one another by providing emotional support, and those unable to attend sessions received assistance in accessing resources, including food and self-care kits.
Empowered Community of Women
The MSK project fostered a strong community of women who remain connected, providing ongoing support to each other even after the formal sessions ended. Women continue to organize meetups, collect food for those in need, and offer emotional support.
Sustained Impact through Mentorship
Several participants have taken on mentorship roles, helping future cohorts navigate similar challenges. This network of peer mentors has become a valuable asset in the community, ensuring that the impact of the MSK project will continue beyond its official timeframe.
Integration with Local Services
The project created referral pathways for women to access mental health services, employment support, and financial aid in their local area. This has ensured that the women have long-term access to resources to sustain their personal growth.
Project Testimonials
Community Voices
"I’m so grateful for the help I receive from Journey Before Success CIC. Every week, they ensure I have my shopping and offer advice that has been invaluable for me. The team is so kind and caring, always checking in on me. I truly don’t know how I would manage without their support!"
Grace, Elderly Resident on the Kingsmead Estate
"I initially came to Journey Before Success to receive food donations through the Felix Project and self-care products from JBS. As I got to know the team, I realized how much they do for families on the estate, so I started volunteering to help others who couldn’t access the services. Now, I’m proud to be a part of the JBS team as a bank staff member. Journey Before Success CIC has changed not just my life, but the lives of so many in our community."
Veronica - Caribbean Resident, Volunteer & Bank Staff Member
"Journey Before Success CIC has been a crucial partner in supporting the residents of Kingsmead Estate and surrounding areas. Their commitment to the community, through food distributions and holistic support, has made a significant difference. We are incredibly thankful for their ongoing dedication and collaboration with Hackney Marsh Partnership to uplift and empower our community members."
Gary - CEO, Hackney Marsh Partnership
Next Steps for MSK
Mentorship Programs
Develop mentorship program to allow previous participants to lead future workshops in particular the girls group and wellbeing sessions.
Hybrid Models
Consider offering a hybrid approach to cater to those who may still prefer online participation, while keeping in-person sessions at the core.
Targeted Support Groups
Develop more focused workshops for specific groups, such as lone parents or women facing extreme financial difficulties, to address their unique challenges in a more personalized way.
Lessons Learned for Future Sessions
In-Person Workshops are Crucial
In-person sessions proved to be far more effective for fostering trust, engagement, and community building. Future projects should prioritize in-person activities to enhance participation and outcomes.
Balancing Flexibility with Structure
Although the content of the sessions was well-received, there was feedback indicating that some women needed more flexible timing to accommodate their personal schedules. Future workshops should provide more flexible session times to ensure that more women can attend without sacrificing quality.
Expanded Focus on Mental Health
Given the success of the mental health components, future iterations of the project could delve deeper into specific mental health challenges, offering more advanced coping techniques or professional counseling support in collaboration with local health agencies.
Continued Community Support Systems
The creation of a support system among participants was one of the most successful outcomes. Future programs should aim to formalize these support systems, offering women structured opportunities to become mentors and advocates within the project.
More Partnerships with Local Services
Strengthening partnerships with local services, such as domestic violence units, healthcare providers, and financial aid organizations, would allow for more holistic support. This integration ensures that participants have more seamless access to necessary services.
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Thank you to our Funders
Journey Before Success Team