RESETTLEMENT SERVICES

HMP YOI LOW NEWTON - LEARNING SHOP
The Learning Shop, which commenced in 2004, gives women, many of whom have no positive experience of learning, a chance to gain basic computer skills and move on to other opportunities. Demand is high and by the end of 2005, The Learning Shop moved to larger premises in the prison. The idea is to make it an environment that is clearly not like school; it is place where women will not be treated like children, will learn what is interesting and motivating and where they will not suffer from trying to work in a childish or rowdy environment.

Many women have completed learn direct courses in computer based learning several have successfully completed the E.C.D.L, (European Computer Driving Licence) is very much requested by employers.

One woman has achieved the advanced level in E.C.D.L and has been nominated for both a regional and national award. She is the only female prisoner to achieve this level. (To be announced summer 2008)

The Learning Shop is a integral part of Low Newton's core work offering support to many departments e.g. education, library, Information Advice and Guidance , Writer in Residence and other work parties.

Women are referred from all areas by officers and non uniform staff, however we find it's the women themselves who ask to attend.

Each month the Learning Shop provides between 1,800 & 2,000 hours of purposeful activity in doing we are supporting some of the most vulnerable and excluded women in society.

During 2007, support from Northern Rock Foundation, enabled us to work with consultants to develop new set of aims and a clearer focus for The Learning Shop. The women who gain most from the project are those that do not engage in other activities; those with mental health difficulties who regularly self-harm. Our aim is to improve mental health & well being through learning.

PRISON LIAISON PROJECT - LIVERPOOL
The Prison Liaison Project finds accommodation and provides other support for prisoners due to return to the city after a period in custody. Funded by Liverpool City Council, the project works with shorter term prisoners, those with sentences of 12 months or less, who have a connection with the City. Started in 2004, the project has proved very successful.

During 2007, 126 prisoners from 17 prisons were found accommodation on release and put in touch with other services vital to their success in the community. They also have their own dedicated website, which supplies a database of service providers to any resettling prisoners in an around Liverpool City boundaries: www.prisonliaisonproject.co.uk

LIVERPOOL MENTORING PROJECT
With support from Lloyds TSB Foundation, New Bridge established a one year project in Liverpool to pilot a mentoring service. Our experience at the Prison Liaison Project told us that prisoners sometimes need extra support if they are to make a success of life in the
community.

We were able to appoint Albert McCabe part time, who worked tirelessly during 2007 to set up the recruitment of mentors, the marketing to prisoners around the country and all the systems we needed to get the work started. By the end of the year, seven mentors were providing support to newly released prisoners who had returned to Liverpool at the end of their sentence.

HM YOI SWINFEN HALL - HOUSING ADVICE
New Bridge has been offering Housing Advice at Swinfen Hall since 2004. The focus of Swinfen Hall is the resettlement of it's mainly longer-term prisoners. The prison sees itself as at the heart of the government's overall delivery plan for reducing re-offending. At Swinfen Hall individual needs are identified early and, through an active and integrated regime of education skills, training and the specialised accredited offending behaviour and substance-abuse courses, we address needs and reduce risks. Working together with national corporations, local businesses, voluntary organisations, the Learning and Skills Council, education providers and others, contributes to the success of the training and development needs for prisoners at Swinfen Hall and prepares them for a crime-free life on release.

New Bridge's task is two fold: We ensure that no prisoners are released without a fixed address - our Housing Advisor, ensured that 100% of prisoners were released to stable and secure accommodation (beating the prison's target of 85%!)

Our Mentoring Co-ordinator also identifies mentors to work with those prisoners who could benefit from extra support once back in the community.

www.bmycharity.com/new-bridge