After 6 years and 1.1k participants, Stockport Homes ends its successful Motiv8 programme

It’s the end of an era for Stockport Homes, but one that has been a huge success. Motiv8 was launched in 2017 to provide support in Greater Manchester to help people overcome barriers and get back on track. Delivered by Stockport Homes’ charitable arm, SKylight, Motiv8 is one example of how the group is positively transforming the lives of people across the borough. 

The team delivering Motiv8 from SKylight worked with 1,165 participants over the six years. Over 400 participants progressed on to results: 226 moved on into education and training, 144 economically inactive individuals started actively job searching and 70 participants moved into employment.  

Alison Burgess team leader for Motiv8 at SKylight said, ‘It has been so rewarding to make a visible impact in participant’s lives. We have been able to offer tangible solutions to difficult situations, seeing people at their lowest find the strength and determination to continue to persevere through adversity has been humbling and inspiring. I am so honoured to have been a part of this amazing project.’ 

Over the past 6 years, SKylight have seen a number of lives changed by Motiv8. Here’s a small glimpse into the impact Motiv8 has made across the borough: 

  • A single mother was provided access to a digital training course and a computer using a Motiv8 grant, who then went on to start her own business and is, at present, employing other people
  • A gentleman who struggled with this confidence due to his learning disability worked with his key worker, focusing on resilience, interpersonal skills and social activity began volunteering after being given appropriate support. He went on to secure a job as a cleaner in a local college.  
  • We’ve supported a number of former offenders onto Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), Forklift Training (FLT) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) courses, many of whom subsequently moved into employment.  

We could tell numerous stories about the impact of Motiv8 over the last 6 years—we truly saw the value of the programme first hand. It is this evidence that has inspired us to continue to operate Motiv8 on a much smaller scale through SKylight. We have funded two permanent positions and will continue to deliver much-needed services similar to those provided through Motiv8. 

Roger Phillips, Chair of the Board at SKylight said, ‘We are honoured to be able to continue to offer the people of Stockport access to the life-changing services they have come to expect from Motiv8. We are delighted that we can continue this good work and live up to our goal of transforming lives across the borough.’ 

The original Motiv8 programme was funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund, Motiv8 was led by Jigsaw Homes Group and delivered in partnership with Bolton at Home (through Starts With You), ForHousing, Stockport Homes (through SKylight) and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.