SK Horizons

Duration: September 2025

Background

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs outlines five principles that all humans need to thrive. These include:

  1. Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs like food, water, and shelter.
  2. Safety Needs: Security and protection from harm.
  3. Love and Belonging: Social relationships and a sense of connection.
  4. Esteem Needs: Respect, self-esteem, and recognition.
  5. Self-Actualization: Achieving personal potential and self-fulfillment.

According to his theory, the lower-level needs must be met before higher-level needs can be pursued.

Here at Groundwork, we work with a range of passionate and enthusiastic young people with ambitious goals, however, due to circumstances beyond their control, many young people don’t have access to some of the more basic needs outlined in Maslow’s theory, leading to them to encounter multiple barriers in life and develop a sense of low self worth.

Staff assisting participants as part of the SK Horizons project

What we’re doing

We’re working in partnership with Stockport Council’s SK Horizon’s team to support twenty young people between the ages of 16-25 from Stockport who are not currently in employment, education or training (NEET).

Each young person will be supported by our coaches for 12-weeks, with ongoing support beyond their journey to keep on track. Support will be bespoke based on the young person’s needs but each individual action plan will be co-designed with the young person themselves. 

Groundwork will be working with partners to source opportunities for young people as well as providing direct support to:

  • Gain new qualifications such as Health & Safety, Carbon Literacy and Customer Service
  • Identify and work to remove barriers to progression e.g. housing, mental health and wellbeing
  • Develop their employability skills
  • Learn more about money management and budgeting
  • Take part in group activities to help build confidence

Why we’re doing it

One of Groundwork’s goals is to support people to improve their life chances so that everyone in Greater Manchester can feel good in themselves, have meaningful connections with others and work in fulfilling, futureproofed careers. The SK Horizons project will help us achieve this goal.

In addition, the Groundwork Centre on Princess Street has allowed Groundwork to develop effective relationships with organisations supporting NEET young people in Stockport, meaning we are confident we can provide support and signposting to young people who need it most.

Thanks from our funders

The SK Horizons project has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government and Stockport Council.