Rooted in community
Routes 2 Change was created from a clear belief: people flourish when they're trusted with the knowledge, insight and practical support to understand what shapes their wellbeing - and to take meaningful action in their own lives. Our work centres on equipping individuals and communities with information, ideas and ongoing strategies that strengthen confidence, choice and self-directed change.
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), our purpose is anchored in social benefit. Being a CIC ensures that our energy, resources and decisions stay focused on community learning, shared empowerment and widening access to approaches that help people support themselves and each other over time.
Meet the people behind Routes 2 Change CIC
Routes 2 Change is run by people who share a passion for guiding pathways to stronger wellbeing. Get to know who we are.
Director and Therapeutic Practice Lead
Meet Paula
I'm driven by a long-standing commitment to helping people understand themselves and feel confident steering their own wellbeing. My practice is shaped by training in Social Work, CBT, and Play Therapy, alongside 30 years' experience designing and delivering high-impact services that place children and families at the centre. I have led whole-service design, developed evidence-based wellbeing frameworks, and managed multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective support for people and communities.
I believe we are each the expert on ourselves, and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their relationships, environments, and wider systems shape their experiences. My work focuses on supporting individuals to make sense of these influences so they can make informed, confident choices. I am committed to practice that values collaboration, dignity, and meaningful change, ensuring people remain at the heart of decisions that affect their lives.
Director and Clinical Support Lead
Meet Annette
For over twenty years, my work has been guided by a belief in the power of compassionate relationships and lifelong learning. My career has taken me from specialist mental health services, where I've worked alongside people experiencing complex mental health challenges and led teams through change, to higher education, where I've had the privilege of teaching and supervising the practitioners who will go on to care for and support others. Across both settings, what matters most to me is creating spaces where people feel heard.
I value helping people make sense of how relationships, environments and systems influence their experiences and supporting them to use this insight to make informed, empowered choices. Collaboration, dignity and meaningful change sit at the heart of my approach, and I'm committed to creating environments where people feel valued, understood and able to grow.
Director and Community Services & Partnership Lead
Meet Rob
I am passionate about helping people, families and communities find the confidence, support and resources they need to create positive change. I believe people are best placed to overcome challenges when given the right support, encouragement and opportunities to find their own solutions. This belief underpins my involvement with Routes 2 Change, particularly its focus on early intervention, empowerment and community-based support.
I began my career in heavy industry, including the Royal Navy, before volunteering at my children's school and discovering a passion for working with children, young people and families. I retrained as a social worker and spent almost 30 years in children's and community services across four Yorkshire and Humber local authorities, ultimately becoming an Assistant Director of Children's Services. Retiring in 2022, I am delighted to contribute my experience, knowledge and passion as a Director of Routes 2 Change, helping support sustainable change in communities.
Want to work with us?
Whether you’re exploring support, training or the CONNECT Framework, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us