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Handcrafted prison-leaver trainee working on a woodwork project

Prison Leavers

Working with recent prison leavers or those with an offending history is part of our aim to come alongside socially excluded people and help them to turn their own lives around.

In partnership with probations services across the North East, we offer a second chance to those that might not otherwise receive it.

Like all trainees, prison leavers across our hubs will work with support staff and have access to the advice and guidance they have to offer. Working in collaboration with other agencies, we work to build healthy coping strategies and provide holistic support that engages with individuals’ whole lives and provide an opportunity for a second chance.

We also host workshop sessions specifically intended for prison leavers. These training sessions not only enhance employment prospects, but also just provide a meaningful way for individuals to spend their time and an opportunity to work as part of a positive social network. It is our hope that community building in the workshop will become reflected in wider society and promote desistance.

Image depicting someone helping another person up a mountain

Testimonials

I have referred a number of offenders to Handcrafted.  The offenders can attend the project several times per week if they wish to, if not daily. This means that they have some where to go and something constructive to do with their time. They can learn new skills or continue to develop skills they already have. They are given the opportunity to try projects they would probably never have considered themselves able to do.

They all take great pride in the items they produce and some have expressed interest in forming their own small businesses on the back of the skills they have learned.

Most of my offenders have then begun to work on their own projects outside of Handcrafted, for example, one produced a bench for a new nature reserve. The offender stated that he feels he has left a legacy for other people to benefit from. Again, this gives them something constructive to do with their time, gives them a sense of pride and self worth. All of this is extremely positive for the offender and helps to deter from further offending.

Lesley G, Durham Constabulary