The OSW partnership works with a variety of people, from different backgrounds and with many diverse needs. The common thread is that they have been excluded from society in ways that has meant they have found it difficult to access employment, or training, guidance and support from mainstream agencies.

You can find out more about some of our clients' stories by visiting the Case Study pages in this section of the OSW site, using the menu options on the left.

The information on this page aims to give you a statistical "snapshot" of the clients OSW works with, and a perspective on their achievements during their time with OSW.

In the period April 2006 - March 2007 OSW worked with 1472 clients, 808 of whom had come to OSW for the first time.

38% of OSW clients are hostel residents, while 10% are recently resettled, and 6% are rough sleepers (51% have had experience of sleeping rough at some time).

The large majority (93%) of the people OSW supports are unemployed, and 25% of clients have been unemployed for more than 3 years.

59% of OSW's clients do have relevant work experience and 42% have a qualification at Level One or above. 20% of clients have identified literacy needs and 17% have identified ESOL needs (i.e. English is not their first language).

11% of OSW clients have an extra support need relating to alcohol or drugs. 12% have a support need relating to mental health.

10% of clients are refugees or asylum seekers.

What OSW clients have achieved:

In 2006-2007:

• 221 clients achieved an accredited qualification, or credits towards a qualification
• 239 OSW clients progressed on to further education or training
• 72 clients progressed on to other services or specialist support
• 106 clients went into employment

Demographic Factors (2006-07):

Age Range

Ethnic Background

Gender