Crystal Pathways Employment, Health & Wellbeing Programmes
Making lasting change through health, wellbeing, and employment
Over the past two years, Crystal Pathways has delivered more than 30 DWP-funded programmes across Devon, helping people overcome barriers, rebuild confidence, and move forward with purpose.
Together with our partners, we’ve supported over 1,200 individuals to improve wellbeing, regain stability, and take positive steps into employment, training, and education.
Our work spans mental health and wellbeing, homelessness support, domestic abuse recovery, youth mentoring, support for over-50s, complex needs, and long-term unemployment (LTU) programmes delivered across Exeter, Mid Devon, Torridge, North Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams, West Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth.
How We Work
We believe that real change happens when health, wellbeing, and employment are addressed together. Our programmes combine clinical insight with practical employability support, helping people to build resilience, confidence, and the skills they need to reconnect with work and opportunity.
Each person we support receives:
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Rapid, personalised one-to-one guidance
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Tailored assessments to identify strengths and barriers
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Access to qualified psychologists, therapists, wellbeing practitioners, and employment coaches
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Opportunities for real work experience placements and local employer introductions
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Continued mentoring and in-work sustainment support after the programme ends
”“Crystal Pathways delivers integrated, person-centred support that creates lasting change.”
DWP Regional Partnership LeadSouth West
Work Experience and Employer Placements
Every participant in our Devon programmes completes a guaranteed work experience placement matched to their goals, skills, and health needs.
Placements are sourced through our local employer network and form a key part of our two-week employability model.
Typical Placement Areas
Retail and Customer Service:
With Asda, Aldi, and Co-op stores, focusing on teamwork, communication, and confidence.
Care and Health Support:
With Warberries Nursing Home, NHS community care partners, and Livewell Southwest.
Hospitality and Catering:
Cafés and hotels in Torquay, Totnes, and Exeter.
Facilities and Grounds Maintenance:
Outdoor roles with Mid Devon District Council and local contractors.
Administration and Office Support:
Placements with small businesses, libraries, and charities.
Charity and Community Projects:
Volunteering with Mind Devon, Step One Charity, and St Petrock’s.
Participants record their progress in a learning log and receive employer references to support future job applications and interviews.
Specialist Pathways
Youth Mentoring (18–24)
Work tasters through Petroc College, Bideford Youth & Community Centre, and local SMEs, including digital, logistics, and creative placements.
Mental Health & Complex Needs
Therapeutic placements such as supported gardening, community cafés, and peer-support roles to rebuild confidence, structure, and purpose.
Employer Engagement
We actively support employers throughout every stage of the placement process, providing pre-placement training, checks, and risk assessments to ensure readiness and safety.
During placements, our team offers regular coaching and progress reviews to help participants and employers get the most from the experience. We also supply toolkits on inclusive employment and mental health awareness, promoting supportive and accessible workplaces.
At the end of each placement, review meetings and feedback reports help measure impact and identify future opportunities. Employers consistently highlight participants’ motivation, reliability, and personal growth as standout strengths of the programme.
Stories of Change: Our Work in Devon in Action
See how Crystal Pathways is making a lasting difference across Devon.
This short film captures the people, partnerships, and programmes that help individuals rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing, and move closer to work and independence.
From community projects in Exeter and Torbay to employability placements in Plymouth and North Devon, every story reflects the power of collaboration and compassion.
Watch our Devon Impact Reel to discover how health, wellbeing, and employment support come together to create real, lasting change.
Measured Outcomes
(2023–2025)
- 100% of participants completed at least one work experience placement
- Over 50% progressed into paid work, training, or volunteering within three months
- Participants reported higher confidence, structure, and social connection
Our Results
We actively support employers throughout every stage of the placement process, providing pre-placement training, checks, and risk assessments to ensure readiness and safety.
100
work experience participation
95
completion across all programmes
100
diagnostic and action-plan completion
Across our programmes, 50–60% of participants moved into paid employment following completion, with strong sustainment rates demonstrating the lasting impact of our support.
Around 70% remained in work after 13 weeks, and between 65–80% continued in employment after 26 weeks, reflecting the effectiveness of our ongoing mentoring and in-work support.
Participants also reported significant improvements in mental wellbeing, motivation, and overall work readiness, highlighting the value of combining clinical insight with practical employability guidance.
”“Achieving 100% completions is remarkable. The renewed sense of purpose and energy among participants has been transformative.”
DWP Work Coach Team LeaderPlymouth
Working Together in Devon
Crystal Pathways works in partnership with local authorities, NHS services, colleges, charities, and employers to deliver joined-up, place-based support across Devon.
Our programmes are delivered in collaboration with trusted partners who share our commitment to improving wellbeing, confidence, and employment opportunities.
Our Key Partners
Exeter City Council
Torbay Council
Plymouth City Council
Mid Devon District Council
Delivery areas also include South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon, Torridge, and North Devon.
Health and Wellbeing Partners
We work closely with NHS Talking Therapies (TalkWorks), Together, and Harbour to ensure people can access timely mental health and addiction recovery support. Our partnerships with Reconnect and Devon Mental Health Alliance help bridge health, justice, and wellbeing services for those with complex needs.
Community and Housing Partners
We collaborate with organisations such as CoLab Exeter, Gabriel House, Age Concern Torquay, and Exeter City Community Trust to provide holistic, community-based support addressing homelessness, isolation, and poverty.
Education and Skills Partners
Partnerships with South Devon College, City College Plymouth, and Petroc College offer routes into adult learning, vocational training, and further education.
Charities and Local Networks
Through alliances with Torbay Food Alliance, Exeter Foodbank, Sunningmead Community Centre, and Kingsbridge Foodbank, we help connect people with essential community resources.
Work Experience and Employer Placements
We partner with a wide range of employers and community venues across Devon — including libraries, museums, local cafés, construction firms, retail outlets, and environmental projects such as Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and Paignton Zoo — to provide meaningful work experience opportunities tailored to individual goals.
These partnerships ensure that people can access the right help at the right time
From housing and mental health support to training, work experience, and sustainable employment.
Looking Ahead
Our experience across Devon proves what’s possible when evidence-based employment support is delivered with compassion, clinical insight, and local collaboration.
We are proud of the lives changed, the confidence rebuilt, and the communities strengthened.
Crystal Pathways will continue to build on this success, helping more people across Devon take the next step towards independence, wellbeing, and sustainable employment.
Working with
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