The impact of Covid-19 on the voluntary sector in criminal justice
Report launched today
The impact of the pandemic has been felt profoundly by people in the criminal justice system – many of whom have faced even tighter restrictions for a more prolonged time than in wider society. The vital services provided by voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system have therefore never been more needed.
But our research report launched today gives us real cause for concern. As organisations continue to support people in these extraordinary times their resilience is being tested to the extreme. They are having to make difficult choices as they reckon with the disruptive impact of the pandemic on their services, dramatically increased need among the people they support and significant financial pressure.
Our research
During the pandemic, Clinks has been collecting information about how voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system in England and Wales have been faring. We've built up an in-depth picture of the impact of Covid-19 on these organisations and the people they support.
We explore how the pandemic has impacted four key areas:
- The services being delivered
- People in the criminal justice system
- Staff and volunteers
- Funding and financial sustainability.
Our report also includes case studies from Zahid Mubarek Trust, New Dawn New Day, Together for Mental Wellbeing, Include Hub and Good Vibrations, as well as a snapshot on the impact of Covid-19 on arts in criminal justice.
What next?
Voluntary organisations are key to responding to people's needs during Covid-19 and in recovery from this crisis. A full and equal partnership between these organisations and prisons, probation services and central government is critical to creating a fairer and more effective post-pandemic criminal justice system, significantly improving the outcomes of people in the system and the communities they are a part of. Looking to the future, we have the opportunity to address longstanding, systemic problems facing the criminal justice system and the people within it.
Read Policy Officer Lauren Nickolls' blog about the report here.
You can also find out more about the report at our launch event on 8th December here.
Download and read the report here
This report shows how voluntary organisations are vital to support people in the criminal justice system during this pandemic. Share this report to show how your organisation is #NeverMoreNeeded during this time.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Get involved Become a Member | Follow Clinks on Twitter
Contact us www.clinks.org | info@clinks.org | 020 7383 0966
Click here to manage your subscriptions. For assistance, email info@clinks.org
© Clinks, 2020
Registered office: Block C, 5th Floor, Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JJ
Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176