THROUGH THE GATE

LONDON - THROUGH THE GATE

New Bridge was awarded a three year grant by Big Lottery Fund to develop the befriending service in London, specifically helping short term prisoners with the transition back to life in the community.

The project had been a year in development, going through the Big Lottery two stage application processes. Research included working with short term prisoners in HMP Brixton. The focus groups were asked if they would welcome and use the support of a volunteer. 75% of prisoners felt they had no-one on the outside to support them. All but one was on at least their second prison sentence. One prisoner was starting his seventh!

The overwhelming message from Brixton was if a volunteer got to know someone when they were inside, it could really make a difference to how they will get on once outside.

In August 2009, the project had helped 42 short term prisoners. 

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 2008, 128 prisoners from 23 prisons were found accommodation on release and put in touch with other services vital to their success in the community.