Press Release

PROGRAMME FOR EX-OFFENDERS WINS NATIONAL AWARD

6 November 2007

Warbarth, the innovative Cornish programme that helps ex-offenders turn their lives around, won national recognition yesterday during the acclaimed Justice Awards.

The pioneering project – a programme run by Devon & Cornwall Probation Area in partnership with Working Links - was awarded for its outstanding contribution for its work with offenders in Cornwall.

But news of its award comes at a time when the Warbarth programme faces uncertainty. In fact, a meeting is planned later this month (22 November) with numerous local organisations to discuss its future and find support after funding comes to an end next June.

The Criminal Justice System annual awards, now in their fourth year, recognise exceptional achievement among those who work in the justice system. Warbarth was recognised for the long-term support it provides during an award ceremony at the Merchant Taylors' Hall in London. Among the guests of honour at the ceremony were the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland, the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, and the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw. 

Working with unemployed, ex-offenders in Cornwall, Warbarth has so far helped more than 450 ex-offenders improve their lives. It has helped more than 120 ex-offenders find suitable employment and a further 187 have made a fresh start through training or gaining qualifications. The scheme has even helped nine people launch their own business.

It helps them re-integrate by providing access to suitable employment, training or education programmes as well as ongoing support in the first three months of starting their new life.

Frances Brennan, Working Links Director for the South West, said: “We are thrilled that Warbarth has received this level of recognition for its work with ex-offenders across Cornwall. 

“We feel its success is the result of a unique partnership between Working Links and Devon and Cornwall Probation Authority. We work hand in hand with the probation service to help all those who come to us for help overcome any barriers that they face. This may range from tackling housing problems, drug issues or debt problems to finding employment. Our consultants take the service to the clients which is essential to effective delivery across rural Cornwall and they really do ‘go the extra mile’ in many ways.“

Mary Anne Mc Farlane, Chief Officer of Devon & Cornwall Probation Area, said she was delighted that the Warbarth project had won the award.

“One of the most effective ways of tackling re-offending is to support individuals to access a real job. Evidence suggests this can reduce the risk of re-offending to the community by as much as 50%. The success of Warbarth has been the close relationship between our offender managers in Cornwall and the Working Links team, who provide that specialist support when working with local employers. This has enabled an open and consistent dialogue when working with offenders. We have been amazed by the take up of the service and intend to seek funding to extend the work in the future.”

It is hoped to further develop the service, establish effective partnerships and secure further funding to extend the programme. The meeting on 22 November will determine how the Warbarth programme will develop after funding finishes in June next year.

The service currently operates right across Cornwall. The team of advisers meet 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.

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