On release: support for ex-offenders

Enterprise Exchange specialises in helping people with additional barriers become self-employed or start a business to transform their lives. One of our current projects is Restart in which (alongside our colleagues at Beating Time and Enterprise Inspiration), we provide business support to offenders approaching release and help develop plans for self-employment. Beating Time also offers offenders the chance to improve their self-confidence and self-belief through joining a choir and using the power of singing.
 
Over 80,000 people come out of UK prisons each year. Around half re-offend. 

With Restart, we help reduce the cycle of re-offending by supporting offenders to develop the skills they need to start their own small businesses or find work on release.  
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However, for many ex-offenders it’s a long journey of re-building lives, self-confidence and trust. 

The following organisations all offer help and support in various areas: 
 
Nacro offers a wide range of services to equip young people and adults with the skills, advice and support to move on. There is information on the website, or a resettlement helpline - 0300 123 1999. Calls are free for those with inclusive call minutes, otherwise the call is charged at a local rate. 
 
Turn 2 Us is an organisation offering financial support for people (including prisoners) when times get tough. 
 
Apex Trust is a local specialist charity based in the North West of England which supports offenders into employment, training, education and voluntary work. 
 
Women in Prison provides support and advice in prison, through-the-gate on the day of release, and continued support in the community. 
 
St Giles Trust works in prisons to help serving prisoners successfully rehabilitate and pursue crime free lives. 
 
Unlock is a charity that provides a voice and support for people with convictions who are facing stigma and obstacles because of their criminal record, often long after they have served their sentence. 
 
Working Chance works with some of the UK’s biggest private and public sector companies, finding jobs and with real career prospects for hundreds of women ex-offenders and young care leavers.  
 
Working Links is a leading provider of tailored services to help people from all backgrounds maximise their potential. In particular, the organisation has rehabilitation services in Wales and the South West for offenders. 
 
Shelter can offer vital advice if an ex-offender has nowhere to live on release. 
 
If a person with convictions has worked in the construction industry, been self-employed, been in the armed forces or wishes to become self-employed, RIFT social enterprise can help resolve tax issues, and provide guidance around the financial issues to do with self-employment. 
 
Catch 22 provides support in prison through to release and resettlement into the community to reduce the risk of re-offending.
 
BehindBras offers support for women both in prison and on release into meaningful employment in the fashion, retail and creative industries.  
 
 
Please share this blog post with anyone you feel would benefit from these resources.