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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 work as a prolific offender coordinator within police and my role is to reduce re-offending, I work with offenders who have been within court and prison system for numerous years.

Handcrafted has been instrumental in providing training, skills and support to help these most chaotic offenders in the local community. To a lot of people going to work each day would be a normal part of life. The majority of the prolific offenders within the offender management unit have very little or in some cases no work experience.

Handcrafted have provided the opportunity to build their confidence, self-belief, working with others and learning a trade. They get a huge sense of achievement working on various projects within Handcrafted. The staff are always very supportive and Handcrafted has become a valuable partner agency.

Simon H, Durham Constabulary