Finding Groups in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Mentoring Offenders Programme

Numerous individuals come out of the criminal justice system alone, feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Our mission
Our mission is for us to work as a professional team that aims to visit prisons on a monthly basis and deliver a motivational talk to a group of offenders. Volunteers share their life experiences to inspire young offenders so that they too can turn their life around and live successfully. Once matched the volunteers visit their clients between one and four weeks in prison and write letters to them. Volunteers meet their client at the gate (if required) on their release to ensure they reach their accommodation safely. The primary role of a volunteer is to inspire and motivate their client. The secondary role is to support their client to access appropriate services for their resettlement needs e.g. benefits, accommodation or health. The project is being steered in South Birmingham West Midland area.

Mentors
The Mentors will be both male and female, come from all walks of life. They are volunteers who have decided to give some of their time in order to help give individuals a chance to make a positive difference to their lives. Matching a mentor to a mentee can make a huge impact on a person’s life.

Mentees
The Mentees will include men, women and young offenders (male and female), who are coming to the end of their sentence. They can apply in person or be referred by a Prison Officer, Chaplain or a member of the prisons successful Resettlement Team. If selected for A-way forward Foundation they will then be matched to a mentor who will initially meet them regularly in the prison prior to their release. Over a period of time plans for post release can be put in place. This period is crucial in the mentoring relationship.

What then?
Following their release from prison the mentor and mentee will meet on a regular basis in the community. The mentoring relationship will continue for at least six months but may well last longer than that. The mentor can help the mentee with job and college applications, as well as supporting them with guidance, advice and encouragement.

How does it work?
• Mentor will visit/correspond while in prison for 6 months before release
• Mentee will be met at the gate on the day of their release (if required)
• Meetings will be held in the community for 6 months after release
• Support with their transition from prison to community by a positive role model
• Individual will receive resettlement support and help with benefits, accommodation and getting back into employment or education
• The individual will receive 12 months support from a Volunteer Supporter:  
  Contact:  Mentor Team managers: Mr Martin BondSmith on 07527979775 or email us on info@awayforwardfoundation.co.uk