The Resettlement Scheme
The Resettlement Scheme provides a bridge between an offenders release from prison and life outside it as part of the local community. It offers a genuine opportunity to reduce re-offending for participants, whilst breaking down many of the prejudices and hurdles an offender or ex-offender can face.
Main aims of the scheme are to:
- Increase prospects through training - equipping them with skills in areas including advice, advocacy, catering, befriending, gardening, IT, journalism, mentoring, sports and youth work.
- Ensure a smooth social integration when released by equipping participants with an understanding the community in which they will undertake the voluntary activity.
- Help participants to learn about and understanding the role of the voluntary/charity sector in supporting society and the benefits of volunteering.
- Reduce the chance of re-offending by providing a supportive transition between a prisoner’s custody and their reintegration back into the community and employment.
“This is exactly the kind of initiative we need as an add-on to our own resettlement programme. This scheme takes a prisoners resettlement through and beyond their release, and stops them falling into a hole the other side of our gates” Governor Wormwood Scrubs.
Success of the project
Since 2002 the project has worked with around 200 offenders, and so far, only one has gone on to re-offend upon release. This compares to a national recidivism rate of 41.6%. The success of the project can largely be attributed to two factors:
- The support and practical work experience the scheme offers - the work provides a realistic opportunity to prepare an offender for life outside of prison.
- The altruistic nature of the work they are doing - many offenders learn that they can give something back to society through volunteering. This can change the mindset of those that participate, and raise their self-esteem.
Other areas of the schemes work include:
- Giving employment / training advice and information to prisoners not eligible for day release.
- Advice to offenders at pre-release Discharge Boards.
- Advice and Consultancy to Other Agencies
- Reports to the Parole Board.
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How we helped Earl
One bad decision changed Earl's life. Having had a series of jobs, he ran
out of work and luck and into the wrong people.