Whilst I was in the Work related Activity Group I did a course on Assertiveness Training. There was a lot of paperwork handed outamongs which I received an Assertiveness Bill of Rights.
I have used this short typed sheet ever since. If you have to meet somebody and/or negotiate on something, you'd be surprised how helpful this training is. I would highly recommend it because it makes you look at things in a different way.
I would say that these were the two big things that benefited my from going to Pathways. One was understanding how assertiveness training can help in many ways and secondly I found an excellent physiotherapist whilst I was there, far better than any I have seen since.
I think what I am saying is; no matter how horrible a process seems, there are ways of making sure there is some part of a process that it is possible to make something out of.
That said, I got out of that place as soon as I could!
I'm sure others will contradict me, but that's how I've got through this process and retained SOME sanity.
I'm very please to hear that somebody has benefited from Pathways to Work.
The only reason why the scheme has been a complete failure (by the DWP's own admission) is that people are being pressured onto courses that they are not ready for, or that do not assist them back into work.
But I do agree with you that the courses can be beneficial to some claimants, and it is worth taking a course on offer if you feel it will be of benefit.
