Networking in action: how a Forum Network connection led to Midland Mencap and Better Pathways working together

12th November 2026

As part of our Forum Network, we recently brought members together for a Collaboration Catalyst session at grounded. Cafe, the kind of informal, relationship-first setting where genuine partnerships often take root. One of those partnerships, between Midland Mencap and Better Pathways, is a great example of what the network is designed to make possible. We asked Laura Gilmour from Midland Mencap, with input from Stuart Caley and Armani Badhan at Better Pathways, to share their reflections.

Midland Mencap and Better Pathways, a mental health charity based in Digbeth, have enjoyed a positive relationship for many years. Both organisations support people with learning disabilities, but in different ways and through different services.

In December 2025, Better Pathways hosted the Social Economy Forum, giving members the opportunity to tour their production facilities and meet the workforce of their two social enterprises, Better Signage and Better Packing. For many of us, this was a valuable insight into the organisation’s work. Seeing the factory floor and signage workshop in action, and meeting participants, all of whom had learning difficulties, learning disabilities or additional support needs, brought to life the real impact of inclusive employment. It was great to witness first-hand how Better Pathways creates meaningful job opportunities and tailored employment support while producing a high-quality range of products and services.

Each year, Midland Mencap delivers the Sutton Park Challenge, an inclusive distance event where participants can run, walk, wheel or roll their chosen distance of 1km, 5km or 10km. As we began planning this year’s event, we were looking for a supplier to create a new finisher’s medal. Following my visit to Better Pathways, it struck me that this was the perfect opportunity to support a fellow social economy organisation while sourcing a product with real social value.

The medals were made by Better Signage, a Better Pathways social enterprise providing professional signage, print and design services. I contacted Stuart, their Business Development Director, whom I had recently met through the Social Economy Forum, and together with colleagues from both organisations we worked collaboratively over several weeks to design a unique wooden medal and accompanying lanyard. The finished medals were a huge success with participants, distinctive, environmentally conscious, and finished with thoughtful design touches, including a small paw print to recognise that participants could complete the challenge alongside their dogs.

Alongside its signage services, Better Signage supports opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, so working with them meant our medals weren’t just thoughtfully designed and produced, they also contributed to Better Pathways’ wider work helping people build practical skills, confidence and meaningful experience.

This venture shows the power of social economy networks to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. By working together, we delivered a high-quality product, invested in a local organisation, and supported employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

The success of this partnership has reinforced Midland Mencap’s commitment to purchasing products and services from local and regional suppliers wherever possible. Doing so increases the social value generated through our spending, strengthens the social economy across the West Midlands, and ensures our investment continues to support organisations that share our values and commitment to creating positive social impact.

I’ve been fortunate enough to attend every Social Economy Forum meeting since joining, and the relationships I’ve built through the network have been invaluable. The forum has created opportunities to connect with like-minded organisations, share ideas and develop meaningful partnerships that deliver real benefits for our communities. Our collaboration with Better Pathways is a fantastic example of what can be achieved, and there are several more partnerships and projects currently being explored. Watch this space.

Thank you to Laura, Stuart and Armani for taking the time to share their reflections with us.

This is exactly the kind of connection the Forum Network exists to create. Real connections like this can turn into partnerships that create genuine social value, and we’d love for more West Midlands organisations to experience that for themselves.

Keep an eye out for our next Collaboration Catalyst session, and sign up to Social Economy News to be the first to hear about it: Sign Up Here