Sodexo Justice

HMP Bronzefield was delighted to host an event with the Ministry of Justice’s New Futures Network (NFN) last week. A number of businesses came into the prison to look at opportunities for employing people with criminal convictions. A prison tour plus the chance to meet some prisoners due for release and looking for employment, demonstrated great partnership working and showcased our commitment to employing people with criminal convictions. The employment, education and rehabilitation services in our prisons give prisoners the skills, qualifications and support to lead law-abiding lives in their community on release. But when businesses hire ex-offenders not only does it fill employment gaps but it helps reduce reoffending and gives individuals a new direction in life. Find out more Starting Fresh: https://lnkd.in/e4x7VQwA

Colleagues across our sites have been celebrating Hidden Heroes Day, recognising the work and contribution of those working in the prison sector. Recognition awards, tasty treats and competitions formed just part of the celebrations across the sites. We even had some 'celebrity' guests at HMP Peterborough! #HiddenHeroes

September is National Recovery Month – recognising and celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of those on the recovery journey from substance addiction, this month is a reminder that recovery is possible. At HMP Addiewell we truly believe this. We understand there are many reasons why people become dependent on drugs and alcohol but we’re absolutely committed to helping individuals with their recovery journey and supporting them to lead a positive future. Our annual Recovery Walk aimed to do just that. Led by our Prison Recovery Peers who play a key role in helping others with their recovery aspirations and onto the next stage of their journey, our Recovery Walk was an opportunity for us to come together as a community and make recovery from substance use more visible and accessible to more people in the prison. Staff and prisoners were joined by local community partners who offered support and raised awareness of the help available for those in our care. A huge thank you to Turning Point Scotland, Recovery Scotland, The Beacons, Phoenix Futures Scotland, Sacro Connects, Cyrenians, The Scheme, NHS Scotland Addictions & Mental Health, Scottish Recovery Consortium, Freed Up Community Interest Company, Clare Adamson MSP, North Lanarkshire Alcohol & Drug Partnership, South Lanarkshire Alcohol & Drug Partnership, Change Grow Live and Aid & Abet.

Among the list of subjects on the educational curriculum at HMP Forest Bank, horticulture has proven to be a powerful, therapeutic activity for those prisoners creating a summer garden in full bloom. While the connection to nature provides individuals with the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing the course also brings rehabilitative benefits. And it’s changing lives. Alongside growing and nurturing trees and plants, the men are also working towards an entry level qualification in horticulture, providing the necessary skills that can lead to employment opportunities on release. Sodexo is supporting employers to proactively recruit skilled and qualified people with convictions. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e4x7VQwA

Create Arts recently delivered 'Inside Change' - a creative programme focusing on financial literacy for prisoners approaching release at HMP Bronzefield. This innovative programme enhanced attendees financial literacy, literacy, social skills and confidence, and was a resounding success for our Young Adult participants. They explored their creativity and self-expression, had their ideas listened to and incorporated in the creative process, helping them to feel valued and more confident. Prisoners agreed it was the best activity they had taken part in prison and, through the workshops, felt they had gained valuable knowledge and relevant skills, not to mention some great business ideas once they are released. https://lnkd.in/eWuhuimX

Teaching Maths and English in a prison helps prisoners gain qualifications plus soft skills, and it supports them in securing employment, progressing in life, and reduces the likelihood of reoffending. Ola is a Functional Skills Maths tutor at HMP Bronzefield, and she loves the job satisfaction she gets when her learners achieve qualifications. Find out more about working in one of our prisons https://lnkd.in/eQAzf2Sc

Here at HMP Northumberland we are pleased to announce the opening of our new House Block, Alnwick House. The 60 bed Unit was built within the prison in partnership with HMPPS with modern facilities for those prisoners in our care. Due to the central location of the House Block within our large prison, the prisoners have easy access to their employment opportunities within the establishment, whether that be Tailors or Market Gardens, providing them with a rehabilitative culture and enabling them to gain real employment skills prior to their release into the community. The well-kept grounds and brand new accommodation also ensure the prisoners can improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Female prisoners at HMP Peterborough’s have celebrated completing a Reading Ahead Challenge, reading six books within a six-week period. The women read a range of books, enabling them to share recommendations with one another, encouraging further engagement with reading. In recognition of their achievements, each was presented with a certificate and a free dictionary to enable them to keep exploring the world of words. When asked what reading meant to her, Jodie said, “I can now read a story to my kids” and Leanne added, “I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time in here because I’m reading”. Reading is a crucial skill in life, yet the average reading age of prisoners in the UK is below that of an average 11-year-old. Ensuring people have access to reading materials and can improve their skills adds to their rehabilitative journey and reduces their likelihood of reoffending. The Reading Ahead Challenge forms part of the Reading Strategy at HMP Peterborough, helping to support the development of literacy skills across the prison’s male and female populations.

In our Sodexo prisons, we aim to be innovative in our rehabilitation. We are always looking for ways to bring community activities into our prisons to ease and support prisoners for when they are released back into the community.   Up and down the country, Parkrun is a free, 5km community event where anyone can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate every Saturday morning. Parkrun is now up and running at HMP Bronzefield.

Reading is an essential skill that many prisoners in the UK never had a chance to develop. Our prisons are delivering a range of interventions to support individuals to improve their literacy levels, including English as a second language. In the Reading Room of HMP Peterborough’s female prison, 15 ladies from all nationalities and abilities support each other to improve their skills, celebrating success with cheers and certificates when milestones are reached. Julia didn’t speak English when she arrived in the prison, feeling scared and isolated. She has since completed the Shannon Trust reading books and now supports others, helping them learn and translating for them. Sarah is planning to read the same book as her partner so that they can discuss the story during social visits and on the phone, maintaining important links with her support network. Reading is a key skill that can help prison leavers to gain employment and lead a law-abiding life post-release.