Press Release

Programme for ex-offenders wins national award

Just one year after its launch Warbarth, the innovative Cornish programme that helps ex-offenders get back on track again, has received national acclaim with a high profile award.

The project – which is a partnership between Working Links and Devon and Cornwall Probation – has been recognised by the Howard League for Penal Reform in the national Outstanding Scheme Awards.

Working with unemployed, ex-offenders in Cornwall, Warbarth was given a special accolade for the work it has done in helping 400 ex-offenders turn their lives around. It has helped more than 80 ex-offenders find suitable employment and a further 60 have made a fresh start through training. The scheme has even helped six people launch their own business.

Warbarth provides practical support so that former offenders can access suitable employment, training or education programmes as well as ongoing support in the first three months of starting their new life.

The team of advisers work across Cornwall meeting individuals at places local to them. They also visit local prisons, including Dartmoor, on a monthly basis to talk to offenders. Each individual works closely with their own adviser to address their own personal barriers. Help is provided in a variety of ways from advice on CV writing and interviews to finding training courses and suitable work. It also includes practical help with issues such as finding accommodation to opening a bank account or even funding for transport, tools and clothing.
 
Funding has been made available for such things as driving lessons to help overcome the rural issues within the county, forklift training, horticultural and construction courses. It has even included the purchase of a bike to enable one individual to cycle to a training course.

Some of the people the scheme has helped so far include a photographer and an artist, who have both been able to turn their lives around and start their own businesses.

Success stories include Roger*, who after serving a five year sentence for burglary was living in a remote village in Cornwall and wasn’t sure what options were open to him. 

At the first meeting with his Working Links Warbarth adviser he identified some issues with confidence. The thought of going through an interview in order to get the job he wanted as a chef filled him with dread. He was given advice with interview skills and practice as well as helping with some suitable clothes for interviews.

Unfortunately, Roger* also suffered with severe diabetes, which meant his vision was affected and that he was not medically fit to drive. The programme provided him with bus passes while he carried out his job search.

Because of his recent history, Roger* carried out work trials to showcase his skills to prospective employers. He was also given advice about how to disclose his conviction and how to persuade prospective employers to give him a chance. His adviser even got involved with a three-way meeting with his future employer.

Roger* is enjoying his work and feels that he now has a brighter future.  His confidence and self-esteem has been boosted and he has his independence back.

Frances Brennan, Working Links Director for the South West, said: “We are thrilled that Warbarth has received this award, and level of recognition, after only its first year of working with ex-offenders across Cornwall.  The programme has helped over 400 people, more than double its target for the two years, with more than 25% going into work.  This is the result of a unique partnership between Working Links and Devon and Cornwall Probation Authority. 

“Our customers face additional barriers created by the rural nature of the county. Warbarth is easily accessible if clients are ex-offenders and live in Cornwall. We provide flexible, accessible, and innovative solutions and take the service to the clients. We hope to further develop our services, establish effective partnerships, and secure further funding to extend the programme.”

• For further information about Working Links or this particular project call freephone 0800 917 9262 or visit www.workinglinks.co.uk.